The Truth About the UFC

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The UFC is rapidly becoming one of the most popular sporting organizations in the world. So, today we unravel some of the mysteries that surround it.

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Mixed martial arts is a sport that has surged in popularity, with broadcasts around the globe and huge interest in stars like Rousey and McGregor. If you’re just tuning into the sport and catching up on the basics, here are all the facts you need to know about the main organization: The UFC.

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What is the UFC?

UFC is the biggest mixed martial arts organization in the world, featuring the top-ranked fighters in events produced around the globe.

ufc logo

Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a full-contact combat sport that allows a wide range of fighting techniques from various combat sports. The term “mixed martial arts” was coined by a television critic in a review of UFC 1, the first mixed martial arts fighting tournament broadcast on pay-per-view. Since then, the UFC has held over 400 events worldwide, and is a multi-billion dollar enterprise.

What does UFC stand for?

UFC stands for Ultimate Fighting Championship. UFC was founded in the early 1990s, to promote a tournament-style combat in which masters of different martial arts would compete against each other for a championship.

The first UFC event, called “War of the Worlds” and later renamed “UFC 1”, was broadcast in November of 1993. At the time, the producers thought they were producing a one-off tournament, but it garnered over 86,000 viewers on pay-per-view, which quickly led to more events.

Who owns the UFC?

For much of its history, UFC was owned by a company called Zuffa, formed in 2001 to manage UFC after it was purchased from the Semphore Entertainment Group. In 2016, UFC was sold to William Morris Endeavor, an American talent agency. WME owns UFC and Miss Universe, and also represents the NFL and NHL, among others.

Dana White is currently the president of UFC, a position he has held since 2001. He owned 9% of Zuffa, and has continued as president of the UFC under their new ownership of WME.

UFC President-Dana White
UFC President-Dana White

How much do UFC fighters make?

UFC fighters make money based on payouts for competing in fights, and also earn performance related bonuses. Of course, top fighters earn the most money, so card position influences pay.

If you are fighting as the ‘Main Event’ then you can expect to be paid considerably more than the fighters on the undercard.

Analysis of publicly available data of UFC fights shows that UFC fighters earned an average of $56,804 per bout for the years 2013-2015.

Fighters in the top card position, who earn pay per view and other incentives, earned an average of $511,760 per bout during that time. Of course that doesn’t include any merchandising or endorsement income the fighter may have made in addition to UFC payments.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmN64ptxtiQ

How much do UFC Fighters make per fight?

As with the above, featured fighters in main events earn significantly more than the average UFC fighter. Generally speaking, the tiers are divided like this:

  • Performers in the bottom quintile earn up to $12,000 per fight, with an average of $9,152
  • The next rung of performers earn $12,000 – $20,000 per fight, with an average of $16,213
  • The middle quintile earns $20,000 – $38,000 per fight, averaging $26,192
  • The next level is $38,000 – $83,000 per fight, with an average of $58,709
  • The top performers earn more than $84,000 per fight, with an average of $173,592

How to get into the UFC

If you’re interested in learning more about the UFC, but don’t know where to begin, and don’t want to spend a lot of money, here are some great resources to learn more about UFC and MMA that don’t cost anything:

  • Podcasts

There are a number of UFC and MMA podcasts, including Co-Main Event, Heavy Hands podcast, The MMA Hour, the MMA Beat, and more.

  • UFC Fight Pass

UFC Fight Pass gives unlimited access to old fights, interviews, fighter profiles, and behind-the-scenes footage, and early preliminary bouts leading up to big events. The first seven days are free, and it’s a great way to learn more about UFC before investing anything.

  • UFC Embedded

In the week leading up to an event, UFC has a YouTube series called UFC Embedded that gives more information and insights into the sport and into the event.

  • Reddit

There are a number of subreddits devoted to UFC and MMA with lots of fans, analysis, and information.

  • Highlight reels

Every UFC fan will recommend their favorite fights, and the list goes on and on. But if you’re just getting started, there are several YouTube compilations and highlight reels that will give you a good taste for the sport without taking a lot of time.

  • The Ultimate Fighter

The Ultimate Fighter is a reality TV show that follows hopeful MMA fighters as they live, train, and fight each other to earn a UFC contract. Like many reality TV shows, the drama can be exaggerated at times, and the fights are shorter than actual UFC bouts, but it’s a good introduction to the sport.

  • Study a martial art

To newcomers, some MMA fights can seem slow-paced as the opponents grapple with each other. But for those who have studied a martial art or wrestling and understand fighting, these long physical battles can be the most engrossing part of a bout. Surviving these contests requires supreme training, skill, and endurance that you can better appreciate if you’ve taken martial arts yourself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fI8Y5QPbcp4


How to Become a UFC Fighter

Becoming a UFC fighter isn’t easy. It sometimes takes years and supreme dedication. If you want to become a UFC fighter, here is how to begin:

  • Start working out

Your goal should be to gain muscle, speed, and agility, so your starting routine should include weight lifting, aerobic exercise, and stretching.

  • Start boxing

While MMA isn’t boxing, boxing is a great introduction to fighting skills and will help you build the mental discipline and physical endurance necessary to compete in the UFC. Focus on learning how to throw a punch and how to take a punch.

  • Start wrestling

Many UFC fights are decided by grappling skills, and learning how to fight on the mat will help you train for a UFC fight.

  • Study a martial art

If you follow UFC, you probably already have some ideas about which martial art you are interested in and which you think is the best to learn. The best martial arts to learn for UFC fighting are:

  1. Muay-thai is great for using your whole body in attack and defense
  2. Judo is perfect for combining fighting with wrestling
  3. Brazilian ju-jitsu is the most widely studied martial art among MMA fighters
  • Join an MMA gym

Once you feel ready, join a local MMA gym and start working with a coach who will help you determine if you are ready for your first fight, and then help to set it up for you.

  • Get disciplined

You’re going to have to cut out bad habits and start picking up lots of good ones. MMA athletes are some of the fittest and strongest people on the planet. You get this way by working incredibly hard. That means eating well, living well, and sweating a lot!


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Images:

By UFC – UFC.com, Public Domain, Link

By Andrius Petrucenia [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

By Justin Moorehttps://www.flickr.com/photos/bdjsb7/2251879181/[dead link], CC BY 2.0, Link

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<img class="alignleft wp-image-699 size-medium" src="https://skillspeedpower.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/download-3-300x300.jpg" alt="Chris Franco" width="300" height="300" />Chris Frango is a highly accomplished owner and writer in the dynamic world of sports, gambling, and gaming. With an unwavering passion for these industries, Chris has carved out a niche for himself as a respected authority, delivering engaging content that captivates readers worldwide. As the owner of a popular news website, Chris has demonstrated exceptional leadership and entrepreneurial skills. His visionary approach has transformed his platform into a go-to destination for enthusiasts seeking comprehensive coverage, expert analysis, and insightful commentary on the latest developments in sports, gambling, and gaming. Chris's journey into the realm of sports, gambling, and gaming began at a young age when he discovered his insatiable curiosity for these captivating arenas. Fuelled by this passion, he embarked on an academic path that allowed him to acquire a deep understanding of the inner workings of these industries. Armed with extensive knowledge, Chris dived into the world of writing, channeling his expertise into engaging narratives that resonate with his readers. With a keen eye for emerging trends and a commitment to delivering accurate information, Chris has earned a reputation as a trusted source for industry updates and analysis. His articles offer invaluable insights into the ever-evolving landscape of sports, gambling, and gaming, catering to both casual enthusiasts and seasoned professionals alike. Beyond his exceptional writing skills, Chris's personable approach and commitment to authenticity set him apart. He recognizes the importance of fostering a genuine connection with his audience, and he continuously strives to build a community that shares his passion and values. In addition to his professional endeavors, Chris actively participates in industry events and conferences, where he engages with industry leaders and expands his network. This constant engagement ensures that he stays at the forefront of the latest developments, enabling him to deliver up-to-date and cutting-edge content to his readers. Chris Frango's dedication to his craft, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering passion, has positioned him as a trailblazer in the world of sports, gambling, and gaming journalism. As he continues to lead his news website to new heights, he remains committed to providing his readers with compelling stories, insightful analysis, and a glimpse into the exciting future of these vibrant industries.

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