The first major MMA event was held in November of 1993 and was spearheaded by Art Davie and Rorion Gracie, son of renowned Brazilian Jiu Jitsu artist, Helio Gracie. MMA fighting is as real as it can get. It involves all types of tackles and maneuvers including powerful strikes on the groin and head butts. Of course, the strikes and moves that can seriously injure an opponent are not allowed, and these include biting and eye gouging.

MMA also had to contend with fierce opposition and denouncement by various quarters that have raised their concern over the violence and danger that are associated with MMA fights. Leading this strong campaign against MMA fighting events is Senator John McCain who used his clout and influence to ban UFC bouts in the US. This vicious campaign against MMA led to its banning in all but 3 US states.

However, supporters of MMA have questioned the real motives and reasons of Senator McCain in taking the initiative of declaring MMA as an illegal sport. McCain has known ties with boxing stakeholders, and most people see this as a probable business maneuver to protect interests in boxing. This is the reason why Senator McCain also made the efforts for the removal of 90% of MMA fighting events that are shown through pay-per-view.

While MMA was being forced to go through the proverbial eye of the needle in Mainland US, this extreme combat sport is flourishing in Japan with the entry of Pride Fighting Championship. These MMA fighting events in Japan are performed in a traditional boxing ring and adopt certain variations in their rules. The UFC was finally bought by Zuffa in 2001, a business entity with established clout and connections. This development has ushered the reversal of fortunes for MMA advocates as Zuffa was able to get the sport sanctioned and recognized in states where it was previously banned.

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