The Rise of MMA and Its Popularity

Unless you have been living under a rock for the past ten years, you have heard of Mixed Martial Arts, or better known as MMA. This combat sport originated in Brazil and was later made into a much larger and well- known sport. In 1993, Art Davie and Rorion Gracie created the ever-more popular professional fight league of UFC, which has become famous all over the world.

When MMA first began, competitions were held between two fighters of different martial art disiplines. An example of this would be a competition between a wrestler and one who boxes. After the UFC had become a well known MIxed Martial Arts league many competitors started training in various martial art styles. Many of these forms of martial arts include Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Boxing, Wrestling, and Karate. The advantages of training in different martial arts is it makes the fighter a more well rounded fighter.

Lets face it, people love violence! Without some violence, most of the things we see and do would not be as entertaining. MMA offers a wide variety of this need-to-see component, and because of this characteristic, it draws millions of fans with each competition shown.

The UFC and the rest of the MMA world offers top competition to watch. In the recent years, pro fight leagues such as the UFC have provided elite fighters from around the globe to perform in their events. Many of these fighters are known all over the world. A few of thse fighters have gained so much popularity that they have become published authors and have even appeared in hollywood films; Chuck Liddel, Randey Couture and Tito Ortiz. One of the most popular MMA fighters in the world is Royce Gracie. Royce Gracie became a larger than life figure after his domination in the UFC. He was well known for challenging and beating opponents much larger and stronger than his self. Royce Gracie was the winner of UFC 1, UFC 2, and UFC 4. Royce Gracie's professional Mixed Martial Arts record is 14 wins-3 losses-3 draws.

Since MMA has been created, it has become the fastest growing sport in the United States. Due to the help of first-class fighters,great advertisement and a growing number of loyal fans, the credit of its on-going fame is owed to them.