Ultimate Fighting Championship

The Ultimate Fighting Championship was officially founded in November 1993. The very first UFC event, UFC 1, took place in Denver, Colorado. It was initially conceived as a tournament to determine the most effective martial art in real combat situations.

Dana White has served as the president of the UFC since 2001. Under his leadership, the organization was transformed from a heavily criticized fringe spectacle into a highly regulated, multi-billion dollar global sports empire. White is widely recognized as the outspoken public face of the organization.

Unlike boxing, which only allows punches, the UFC allows a wide variety of fighting techniques from multiple disciplines. UFC fighters utilize striking with hands, feet, elbows, and knees, as well as takedounds and submission grappling. This blend of martial arts styles is why the sport is officially classified as Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

The UFC features multiple weight classes for both men and women, ranging from Strawweight up to Heavyweight. Men currently compete in eight distinct weight divisions, while women compete in four. Fighters are required to strictly make their designated weight during official weigh-ins before every bout.