History of UFC: From Underground to World Arena

Ultimate Fighting Championship, better known as UFC, is not just an organization, but a cultural phenomenon that has changed the perception of martial arts around the world. Founded in 1993 in the United States, it began as an experimental tournament, the purpose of which was to determine which fighting style was most effective. The fights resembled Brazilian fights without rules - vale tudo, and the events themselves were perceived more as a spectacle than a sport.

The first tournament, held in Denver, unexpectedly turned out to be a triumph. The audience was delighted with the tough and spectacular formula. However, along with success came pressure from the authorities: the UFC was forced to revise the format, introduce weight categories, bans on dangerous techniques and an arbitration system. This is how a new generation of sport was born - MMA.

The real breakthrough happened in 2001, when the Fertitta brothers acquired the company and appointed former boxing promoter Dana White as president. Aggressive expansion began: the UFC conquered the markets of the USA, Europe and Asia. By the mid-2000s, the organization confidently competed with professional boxing, especially in the field of paid broadcasts. Millions of viewers around the world sought to buy tickets to live tournaments and ordered paid broadcasts.

By 2007, the UFC finally strengthened its leadership by absorbing its main competitor, the Japanese Pride league. And by 2012, most of the top fighters on the planet performed under its flag. Events were broadcast in more than 130 countries, in 20 languages.

Today, the UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings, a subsidiary of the media giant Endeavor. After merging with WWE in 2023, the organization reached a new level - now it is not just a sport, but a global show business. Demand for the show is consistently high, with fans eager to buy tickets long before the action begins, knowing that every night at the UFC is history being made before their eyes.