It appears that in a form of Mixed Martial Arts named pankration was a fighting sport in the ancient Greek period. Ancient Greek pankratiasts were worshiped hero warriors including the legends of Arrichion, Dioxxipus, Polydamos and Hercules. Pankration first took place as an official ancient Olympic sport in 648 BC with fights taking place inside a combat stage which had sides of 12 to 14 feet – similar to a small modern day boxing ring. Pankration was the subject of many myths and legends. Many features of pankration now -like modern day MMA. ancient fighter in Roman times often fought in coliseum battles with no arms in a fight to the death, making it a sport with a deep history in human society.
Over the past two decades there has been a important increment in the formalisation of MMA, with organisations taking form to both approve and encourage HB88 MMA at the same time. It is a unique feature of MMA, with other combat sports trusting on a promoter to produce events, and a enabling body to recognise world and regional titles.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has been the modern day leader in producing, promotion and recognising world champion MMA fighters and events. The UFC is directed by president and CEO Dana White. The UFC promotion found it difficult to get events approved by state and international government regulated legislative boards, as MMA was seen as an offensive and almost cannibalistic activity. However when White took over – after convincing business associates to purchase the fledgling business for $2 Million – he transformed both the UFC and the sport of MMA. White made impressive rule changes which made event cards more attractive to state commissions, and encouraged and underscores the athletic capabilities of the fighters, who were doubtless great athletes.