The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is a mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion companybased in the United States that hosts numerous events worldwide. It is the most successful MMA promotion in the world with many of the sport's top fighters under contract.[2] The UFC has five weight-divisions and enforces the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts.[3] Dana White serves as the president of the UFC; Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta control its parent company, Zuffa, LLC.[4][5][6]
Inspired by vale tudo tournaments in Brazil, the UFC held its first competition in Denver, Coloradoin 1993. Showcasing fighters of different disciplines—including boxing, Brazilian jiu jitsu, wrestlingand Muay Thai, among others—the UFC sought to identify the most effective martial art in a real fight. After a period of political backlash, the UFC gradually underwent reform, embracing stricter rules and achieving sanctioning with State Athletic Commissions.
With a cable-television deal and expansion into Canada, Europe and new markets within the United States, the UFC as of 2010 has gained in popularity, along with greater mainstream-mediacoverage. As of 2010 viewers can access UFC programming on pay-per-view television, Versus in the United States, on ESPN in the United Kingdom and Ireland as well as in 33 other countries worldwide.
