The Ultimate Fighting Championship is currently the No. 1 mixed martial arts promotion around the globe. It has had a huge influence on the combat world and pop culture too. The first ever UFC event was held on November 12, 1993, but the concept had originated in Art Davie’s mind (co-founder of UFC) several years earlier. There were constant changes to it to satisfy all parties involved. In this article, we will tell you about some incredible facts about the first ever UFC event- UFC 1.
WoW acronym was used to co-produce initial UFC event
When Davie met Rorion Gracie, he began training BJJ and helped him distribute the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in action videotapes to gain his friendship and support. He even left his old job and started another marketing company, Brajitsu Inc. Davie spoke to Rorian about his idea for the event. Initially, Rorion was hesitant as he was confronted by other people using his family’s fighting style which yielded no results. However, Davie’s marketing strategy impressed him, so he gave this idea a chance. Eventually, they founded WOW (War of the Worlds) Promotions and this abbreviation was used to avoid any legal action from H.G. Well’s estate.
Davie though Rickson will represent the family
Rickson Gracie was the star athlete of his family, so it was expected that he would represent his family in the event. However, it was Royce who represented the Gracie family at the event. When asked about Rickson, whose fight with Zuluzinho was on the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu action videotape, Rorion responded that Rickson was poaching students from the academy and also used his family’s money to pay his girlfriend’s expenses. This led to his banishment and Royce was chosen in his place.
Rorion wanted the event to be held in Rio de Janeiro
Rorion Gracie suggested that “War of the Worlds” should take place in Rio de Janeiro, as he had connections there. However, one of his friends, who worked as a music promoter in Rio, told them that they would face several problems when it came to paying the crowd. Art was also unsure about organizing the event in a foreign country due to travel and logistics expenses.
Peter Aerts was asked to compete in UFC 1
The Dutch kickboxer Peter Aerts used to train at Thom Harinck Chakuriki Gym. The training facility had a bitter rivalry with the Jan Plas gym, where Gerard Gordeau trained. Davie, who had appointed himself as matchmaker to avoid any accusations of rigging the fights by Gracie, wanted the two kickboxers to clash against each other in the event. However, Aerts never responded to the invitation.
The iconic bald fighter logo
The fighter was standing above the globe, which had a yellow banner with “Ultimate Fighting Championship” placed on it. Davie’s slogan, “There Are No Rules!” also made the picture. This iconic bald fighter was placed in the center of the octagon during the early events of UFC, but his poses kept changing from event to event.
Davie’s ideas about fighting area
Davie came up with three ideas for the fighting area. The first one was a circular grappling mat surrounded by electrified copper floor panels. In case the fighters would have touched the panels, they would have received a slight electric shock. This idea was rejected by one of Rorian’s student, who was an M.D. He explained that if a sweaty fighter fell on his stomach onto the panels, he could suffer ventricular fibrillation, which could have led to a heart attack or even sudden death. The second idea was a Plexiglas box open from the top. The shiny plexiglass would have reflected back onto the TV screen. The third idea was to create a grappling mat surrounded by a pool of water for sharks or piranhas. This would have been a gimmick, as sharks wouldn’t be a threat to humans.
LeBell was considered to referee in the event
Gene Lebell was a wrestler, Judoka and stunt performer. Apart from this, he also had experience in referring. LeBell also referred the infamous Muhammad Ali vs. Antonio Inoki in 1976. He was considered to referee in UFC 1, but this idea was shut down by Rorion, who had his own experience with LeBell. The two met during the filming of the “Heart to Heart” series. The two initially liked each other. Gene even invited Gracie to his school to spar with his students. According to a report, Gracie strangled all of them and even challenged LeBell. The Judoka rejected the challenge, which led to a heated argument and their friendship ended.
“Ground Chuck” was offered to do commentary
Chuck Norris is a famous martial artist and actor. Rorion Gracie spoke to Chuck at his compound. Davie revealed that he was waiting in his car and Gracie returned 30 minutes later. Gracie said that Norris did not believe that the event was legal at all, so he rejected the offer of commentary. After several years, when Davie and Norris met again, Chuck publicly admitted that he was wrong about the UFC.
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