What is MMA?

A combat sport in which two competitors attempt to defeat each other by using a wide variety of fighting techniques, including striking,takedowns and grappling. MMA has also been referred to as no-holds-barred (NHB ) fighting; however, this term is no longer considered an accurate description of the modern sport, in which formalized rules are recognized by many state athletic commissions and the most dangerous techniques are banned to ensure the safety of the fighters. In Brazil (home of the Gracie family), MMA may also be referred to as "vale tudo," which means "anything goes" in Portuguese.

Although MMA has a long history in Brazil and Japan, and even more ancient roots including an event in the original Olympics (called "pankration"), the popularity of modern MMA in the U.S. can be traced to the UFC. For more information on the UFC, click here.

Randy Couture vs. Tim Silvia
UFC 68