| One of the most famous martial arts stars, if not the | | | | had as much impact as Royce Gracie. Names of |
| most famous is Bruce Lee, he has really helped martial | | | | some of the group of fighters that have done well are |
| arts become well known in the world. He is known for | | | | guys such as Dan Severn, Matt Sylvia, Oleg Taktarov, |
| his well developed fighting style of Jeet Kune Do. | | | | Ken Shamrock and Matt Hughes. Matt Hughes is also |
| Bruce Lee did quite a few martial arts films, showing | | | | considered one of the top fighters, he competes in the |
| off his agility and fighting skills, from that time movies | | | | welterweight class and is seen as the most superior |
| have become popular for showcasing martial arts, and | | | | fighter in the world. |
| martial arts is now a well established fighting event in | | | | In the early days of M.M.A. (mixed martial arts) there |
| the world. | | | | were not the rules and regulations we see today. |
| Starting up in the early 1990's, the organization known | | | | There were no judges, and guys would fight each |
| as the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) was born | | | | other one on one, till someone tapped themselves out |
| and heightened the arena of fighting in the world. | | | | or were knocked out the match, or the towel was |
| There have been several other fighting organizations | | | | thrown down be the referee. It took 3 matches to win |
| around somewhat the same as U.F.C., but the fact is, | | | | tournaments back then, that were in effect. |
| none has truly rivaled the pizazz and force of the UFC. | | | | Changes were made over time, judges were |
| When it first started off the U.F.C. teemed up different | | | | introduced and tournaments were ruled out. In the early |
| weight classes as well as different styles. | | | | days there were no time restrictions on fights as there |
| The outcome was dynamic fights with different | | | | are now. Competitors would fight each other, one on |
| outcomes. Royce Gracie was the first ufc champion | | | | one which the fans loved. The time constraints now |
| as he was Brazilian, he introduced | | | | are - Title matches are 5, 5 minute rounds and and |
| Brazilian Jujitsu, and for those watching him fight, this | | | | non title fights are 3, 5 minute rounds. |
| was a new fighting experience they had not seen | | | | In U.F.C. fights there are 3 judges, which generally |
| before. Royce weighed less then 200 pounds but with | | | | change with each different ufc, if need be and the |
| his Brazilian Jujitsu, skills he would dominate opponents | | | | fights go to the judges they will decide who is the |
| much bigger then himself. With the completion of the | | | | winner of the match. Referees are there for the |
| first UFC tournament Brazilian Jujitsu, was viewed as | | | | fighters protection, while the judges make the decision |
| the best martial art. | | | | if no knock out is achieved or no submissions are put |
| Gracie went on to dominate the Ultimate Fighting | | | | into place. If a fighter is seen not able to defend himself |
| Championship matches, winning UFC 2 and UFC 4, | | | | the referee can call a halt to the fight. |
| across the world his fighting skills were witnessed as | | | | U.F.C. is gaining in popularity, all the changes have |
| something not seen before. In the U.F.C. 3 match, | | | | simply improved the whole organization. |
| Gracie didn't actually lose, he was put up against a | | | | Martial arts are now very well known worldwide and |
| very tough opponent who came very close to beating | | | | the Ultimate Fighting Championship will continue to |
| him. In U.F.C. 5, Gracie came back to go up against ken | | | | expand in popularity, the Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| Shamrock, but the match ended in a draw. | | | | is definitely up there as one of the biggest sports in the |
| Fighters have come along that have gone very well in | | | | world! |
| the Ultimate Fighting Championship, but none of them | | | | |