The Complete History of UFC: From No Rules to Mainstream Sport

UFC’s Journey from Chaos to Glory

If you are a fan of combat sports, The Complete History of UFC  chances are you’ve heard of the UFC. Today, it stands as the world’s largest Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) organization, where fighters showcase skills from boxing, wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, karate, and kickboxing. But the story wasn’t always this polished.

When the UFC first launched in 1993, critics labeled it “human cockfighting”. There were no weight classes, hardly any rules, and almost no safety measures. It was simply two fighters locked inside a cage to settle one question: “Which martial art is the best?”

Fast forward to today, the UFC has transformed into a multi-billion-dollar sport, producing global superstars like Conor McGregor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Jon Jones. In this article, we’ll walk through the UFC’s complete journey – from raw beginnings to mainstream dominance – highlighting the rivalries, legends, and milestones that shaped the sport.

Early Days of UFC (1993–2000): The Wild West of Fighting | The Complete History of UFC

The very first UFC event took place in Denver, Colorado, in 1993. Its goal was simple: pit different martial arts against one another to determine the most effective style.

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Enter Royce Gracie, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu master who shocked the world by defeating much larger opponents. He proved that skill and technique could overcome size and strength.

In those early years, fighters used bare-knuckle punches, headbutts, groin strikes, hair-pulling, and more. Safety was almost non-existent, which brought heavy criticism. Senator John McCain famously called it “human cockfighting” and campaigned to ban the UFC.

Zuffa Era & Mainstream Rise (2001–2010)

In 2001, the UFC was purchased by Dana White and the Fertitta brothers under Zuffa LLC. This marked the beginning of a massive transformation.

Key changes included:

• Introduction of weight classes

• Mandatory gloves and stricter rules

• Referee stoppages and medical checks

• The Unified Rules of MMA

But the real breakthrough came in 2005 with The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) reality show. The finale between Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar is still remembered as one of the greatest fights in MMA history. That bout is often credited with launching UFC into mainstream recognition, as millions of new fans tuned in.

Major Rivalries That Defined the UFC

The UFC’s history wouldn’t be complete without the legendary rivalries that pushed the sport into the global spotlight. Here are some of the most iconic ones:

1. Tito Ortiz vs. Chuck Liddell – The First Big Rivalry

• Background: Tito Ortiz was the light heavyweight champion and UFC’s poster boy. Chuck Liddell, known for his knockout power, was his former friend turned rival.

• Key Fights:
  • UFC 47 (2004): Liddell knocked out Ortiz.

  • UFC 66 (2006): Liddell dominated again.

• Impact: This rivalry elevated UFC’s pay-per-view sales and gave the promotion its first true superstar rivalry.

2. Matt Hughes vs. Georges St-Pierre (GSP) – Old Guard vs. New Blood

• Background: Matt Hughes was the dominant welterweight champion until a young Canadian, GSP, rose to challenge him.

• Key Fights:
  • UFC 50 (2004): Hughes submitted GSP.

  • UFC 65 (2006): GSP returned stronger and knocked Hughes out.

• Impact: This rivalry symbolized the changing of the guard, as GSP became one of the greatest fighters of all time.

3. Brock Lesnar vs. Frank Mir – WWE Meets UFC

• Background: Former WWE superstar Brock Lesnar entered the UFC, attracting mainstream attention. His first major test came against Frank Mir.

• Key Fights:
  • UFC 81 (2008): Mir submitted Lesnar.

  • UFC 100 (2009): Lesnar avenged the loss with a brutal TKO.

• Impact: UFC 100 became one of the highest-selling PPVs ever, bringing WWE fans into the MMA world.

4. Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier – Hatred Inside and Outside the Cage

• Background: Jon Jones was the young prodigy, while Daniel Cormier was an Olympic wrestler. Their rivalry was fueled by genuine dislike.

• Key Fights:
  • UFC 182 (2015): Jones won by decision.

  • UFC 214 (2017): Jones scored a knockout (later overturned due to a failed drug test).

• Impact: Their feud mixed drama with elite fighting skills, creating one of the most emotionally charged rivalries in UFC history.

5. Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz – The Making of a Superstar

• Background: McGregor was the rising featherweight champion when Diaz stepped in on short notice.

• Key Fights:
  • UFC 196 (2016): Diaz shocked McGregor with a submission win.

  • UFC 202 (2016): McGregor returned to win by decision.

• Impact: UFC 202 set record-breaking PPV numbers, cementing McGregor’s place as a global superstar.

6. Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov – The Biggest Fight in UFC History

• Background: Khabib was undefeated, McGregor was the lightweight champion, and tensions escalated with personal insults and national pride.

• Key Fight: UFC 229 (2018) – Khabib submitted McGregor in the 4th round.

• Impact: UFC 229 remains the highest-selling PPV in UFC history. The post-fight brawl made it even more infamous.

7. Ronda Rousey vs. Miesha Tate – Pioneers of Women’s MMA

• Background: Ronda Rousey, an Olympic judoka, revolutionized women’s MMA with her signature armbar. Miesha Tate was her toughest rival.

• Key Fights:
  • Strikeforce (2012): Rousey won via armbar.

  • UFC 168 (2013): Rousey repeated the victory.

• Impact: Their rivalry officially legitimized women’s MMA in the UFC, with Ronda becoming the face of women’s combat sports.

Modern UFC: Global Expansion (2015–2025)

• UFC expanded globally with events in Abu Dhabi, Brazil, the UK, Australia, and growing interest in India.

• The ESPN deal in 2019 gave UFC mainstream coverage in the U.S.

• Despite controversies over fighter pay and promotions, UFC continues to thrive.

• Today, UFC rivals boxing in popularity and has become a true global sport.

Conclusion – A Fan’s Perspective

From its chaotic beginnings in 1993 to today’s polished billion-dollar empire, the UFC’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. Each era brought legendary rivalries, unforgettable champions, and fights that defined generations.

For fans, UFC is more than just a sport – it’s a culture, a lifestyle, and a never-ending source of adrenaline. And with global expansion on the horizon, its story is far from over.

FAQs – The Complete History of UFC

Q1. When did the UFC start?
The UFC began in 1993 in Denver, Colorado.

Q2. Who was the UFC’s first superstar?
Royce Gracie, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist, was the first dominant figure in UFC history.

Q3. What’s the difference between UFC and MMA?
MMA is the sport (a mix of martial arts), while UFC is the biggest organization promoting MMA.

Q4. Which is the biggest rivalry in UFC history?
Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov is widely considered the biggest rivalry.

Q5. Is UFC planning events in India?
Yes, UFC has long-term plans to expand into India and other parts of Asia.