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THE UFC® FACT SHEET
WHAT is the ENTITY THAT OWNS THE UFC® [ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP®] BRAND OF MIXED MARTIAL ARTS (MMA)?
The entity that owns the UFC® [Ultimate Fighting Championship®] brand is the world’s leading mixed martial arts sports association, formed in January, 2001 by Zuffa, LLC. The UFC® event productions feature a strong ownership and a depth of management experience across a spectrum of live event sports, television production and ancillary business development. The New UFC Brand is positioned well for the future as the standard bearer for the evolving and exciting sport of mixed martial arts.
WHAT is MIXED MARTIAL ARTS?
Mixed martial arts (MMA) is an intense and evolving combat sport in which competitors use interdisciplinary forms of fighting that include jiu-jitsu, judo, karate, boxing, kickboxing, wrestling and others to their strategic and tactical advantage in a supervised match. Scoring for mixed martial arts events in Nevada, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Florida is based on athletic-commission approved definitions and rules for striking (blows with the hands, feet, knees or elbows) and grappling (submission, choke holds, throws or takedowns). No single discipline reigns.
WHAT CHARACTERIZES ULTIMATE FIGHTING® MMA EVENTS?
Ultimate Fighting® is a proprietary term and registered trademark and service mark of Zuffa, LLC, associated exclusively with the UFC® brand of MMA events. Ultimate Fighting® events feature the highest caliber mixed martial arts competition in the world between high level professional fighters who utilize the disciplines of jiu-jitsu, karate, boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, and other forms in UFC® live events. UFC® competitors, many of whom earned their way into the UFC events by being participants in “The Ultimate Fighter®” reality-based television series are among the best-trained and conditioned athletes in the world. While this is a highly intense sport, fighter safety is of paramount concern to UFC ownership and management: it is noteworthy that no competitor has ever been seriously injured in a UFC event.
WHAT is the ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP® PRODUCTION?
The new Ultimate Fighting Championship® production is a series of international competitive mixed martial arts events televised throughout each year and available live or tape-delayed on pay-per-view and other formats, seen domestically and internationally. The New Ultimate Fighting Championship® producers are committed to providing the highest quality live event and television production available to entertain and engage viewers in a fascinating sport. The New Ultimate Fighting Championship® brand of MMA event distinguishes itself from the controversial spectacle of the last decade: The first event produced under new ownership and management was February 23, 2001.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship® events are produced exclusively in cooperation with and under the exclusively ownership of Zuffa, LLC.
WHAT DISTINGUISHES UFC® EVENTS FROM THOSE OF ITS COMPETITORS?
- The elite level of the competitor also known as “The Ultimate Fighter® athletes.”
- The UFC*® events bring together the most talented martial arts experts in the world. UFC® fighters come from the US, Canada, Brazil, Japan, Russia, Holland, England, etc. All UFC® fighters have previous combat sports experience and many are world or Olympic champions. UFC® athletes train up to six hours a day or more in preparation for an event. Almost all have studied martial arts as a lifelong vocation and many are college educated. In addition to their UFC careers, many of these men are business owners. They are also students, professionals or managers working for diverse types of companies. But it is the success, discipline and focus of The Ultimate Fighter® stars that makes each of them different from just about any other competitor in or out of mixed martial arts.
- Absolute consistency of rules: presence of officials, judges, weight divisions, rounds, time limits
- Leadership in obtaining commission approval for a new sport
Mandatory Equipment:
- Competitors may only use Zuffa and commission approved 4-6 oz gloves, designed to protect the hand but not large enough to improve the striking surface or weight of the punch.
- Commission approved MMA shorts and kickboxing trunks are the only uniforms allowed. Shirts, gis and shoes, and the problems they present for grabbing are not allowed.
The Octagon™ Competition Enclosure
The octagonal competition mat and cage design are registered trademarks and/or trade dress of Zuffa, LLC and are symbolic of the highest quality mixed martial arts events brought to you under the Ultimate Fighting Championship® brand name. In 1993, UFC events were the first to feature an eight-sided competition configuration which has become known worldwide as the UFC Octagon™
The UFC Octagon™ competition enclosure is unique from any other fighting arena because the octagonal shape and structure have become inherently associated with Zuffa and the UFC® brand name among mixed martial arts consumers, other mixed martial arts organizations and the national media. The UFC Octagon competition enclosure is regularly featured on UFC Pay-per-view events, UFC® Fight Night™ and The Ultimate Fighter® reality TV series. The UFC Octagon™ competition enclosure creates a neutral arena to showcase the skills of UFC mixed martial arts athletes. The UFC organization has established a reputation for providing the maximum safety to the fighters with commission approved ring structures, canvas, and all safety padding and fences. Zuffa makes major investments to ensure the safety of competitors in the UFC Octagon enclosure -- as a result, when people see The Octagon™ enclosure they associate it with the reputation and quality delivered only by Zuffa at UFC® events.
Absolute adherence to commission mandated rules for MMA:
- Commission approved gloves
- Weight classes
- Time limits and rounds
- Mandatory drug testing
- No head butting or kicking to the downed opponent
- No knees to the head of a downed opponent
- No downward point of the elbow strikes
- No strikes to the spine or the back of the head
- No groin or throat strikes
- State Athletic Commission approval in such major states as New Jersey, Nevada, Florida & Louisiana.
RULES
Weight classes: [Rules]
Lightweight - over 145 lbs. to 155 lbs.
Welterweight - over 155 lbs. to 170 lbs.
Middleweight - over 170 lbs. to 185 lbs.
Light Heavyweight - over 185 lbs. to 205 lbs.
Heavyweight - over 205 lbs. to 265 lbs.
Bout duration: [Rules]
All non-championship bouts shall be three rounds.
All championship bouts shall be five rounds.
Rounds will be five minutes in duration.
A one-minute rest period will occur between each round.
Fouls: [Rules]
1. Butting with the head.
2. Eye gouging of any kind.
3. Biting.
4. Hair pulling.
5. Fish hooking.
6. Groin attacks of any kind.
7. Putting a finger into any orifice or into any cut or laceration on an opponent.
8. Small joint manipulation.
9. Striking to the spine or the back of the head.
10. Striking downward using the point of the elbow.
11. Throat strikes of any kind, including, without limitation, grabbing the trachea.
12. Clawing, pinching or twisting the flesh.
13. Grabbing the clavicle.
14. Kicking the head of a grounded opponent.
15. Kneeing the head of a grounded opponent.
16. Stomping a grounded opponent.
17. Kicking to the kidney with the heel.
18. Spiking an opponent to the canvas on his head or neck.
19. Throwing an opponent out of the ring or fenced area.
20. Holding the shorts or gloves of an opponent.
21. Spitting at an opponent.
22. Engaging in an unsportsmanlike conduct that causes an injury to an opponent.
23. Holding the ropes or the fence.
24. Using abusive language in the ring or fenced area.
25. Attacking an opponent on or during the break.
26. Attacking an opponent who is under the care of the referee.
27. Attacking an opponent after the bell has sounded the end of the period of unarmed combat.
28. Flagrantly disregarding the instructions of the referee.
29. Timidity, including, without limitation, avoiding contact with an opponent, intentionally or consistently dropping the mouthpiece or faking an injury.
30. Interference by the corner.
31. Throwing in the towel during competition.
Ways To Win: [Rules]
1. Submission by:
Physical tap out.
Verbal tap out.
2. Technical knockout by the referee stopping the contest.
3. Decision via the scorecards, including:
Unanimous decision [all judges pick the same fighter as the winner].
Split decision [One judge picks one fighter, the other two judges pick the other fighter].
Majority decision [Two of three judges pick the same fighter as the winner, the final judge says the fight was a draw].
Draw, including:
Unanimous draw.
Majority draw.
Split draw.
4. Technical decision.
5. Technical draw.
6. Disqualification.
7. Forfeit.
8. No contest.
Referee may Restart the round: [Rules]
If the fighters reach a stalemate and do not work to improve position or finish.
STYLES
Boxing
The skill or sport of fighting with the fists usually with padded leather gloves. Referred to as the "sweet science," boxers use elaborate foot maneuvers and quick jabs for offense.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
In the mid-1920's, Carlos Gracie opened the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He taught the skills he learned from Japanese Judo master Esai Maeda. The skills were later modified to use less strength and to be more effective against larger opponents. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu's reputation spread due to the success of its practitioners in no holds barred contests.
Freestyle Wrestling
Possibly the world's oldest sport. Contestants struggle hand to hand attempting to throw or take down their opponent without striking blows. Some of the many styles of wrestling are Freestyle, Greco-Roman, and catch as catch can.
Greco-Roman Wrestling
Possibly the worlds oldest sport. Contestants struggle hand to hand attempting to throw or take down their opponent without striking blows. Some of the many styles of wrestling are Freestyle, Greco-Roman, and catch as catch can.
Jiu Jutsu
Ancient Japanese martial art that encompasses throwing, joint locks, striking, and weapons training.
Judo
Sportive Japanese martial art founded in 1882 by Jigoro Kano. Derived from Jujutsu, Judo is now an Olympic sport that emphasizes throws. Striking is not allowed in competition Judo.
Karate
Name used to identify many Japanese and Okinawan martial arts. While known for powerful, linear techniques, many Karate styles also incorporate softer, circular techniques. Some of the popular styles of Karate are Kyokushinkai, Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, Shorin-Ryu, and Kenpo which was the first "Americanized" version of Karate.
Kickboxing
Sportive martial art combining boxing punches and martial arts kicks. Many different styles with different rules exist such as Muay Thai, Full Contact Karate, and Asian Rules Fighting.
Kung Fu
Also referred to as Gung Fu, Chinese Boxing, and Wu Shu. There are hundreds of Kung Fu styles. Many are patterned after the movements of animals. Some well known styles of Kung Fu are Wing Chun, Praying Mantis, Pau Kua, Tai-Chi-Ch'uan, and Shuai Chiao.
Tae Kwon Do
One of the most practiced martial arts in the world, Tae Kwon Do is a Korean style known for its flashy kicking techniques.
Wrestling
Possibly the world's oldest sport. Contestants struggle hand to hand attempting to throw or take down their opponent without striking blows. Some of the many styles of wrestling are Freestyle, Greco-Roman, and catch as catch can.
HISTORY OF THE ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP®
Started in 1993, the Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®) brand is a professional mixed martial arts organization offering the premier series of MMA sports events.
The UFC organization follows a rich history and tradition of competitive MMA dating back to the Olympic Games in Athens. About 80 years ago, a Brazilian form of MMA known as Vale Tudo (anything goes) sparked local interest in the sport.
Then, the UFC organization brought MMA to the United States. The goal was to find “the Ultimate Fighting Champion” with a concept to have a tournament of the best athletes skilled in the various disciplines of all martial arts, including karate, jiu-jitsu, boxing, kickboxing, grappling, wrestling, sumo and other combat sports. The winner of the tournament would be crowned the champion.
Once the UFC brand was launched, MMA popularity surged in Brazil, followed by immense interest in Japan where these bouts became major events.
In January 2001, under the new ownership of Zuffa, LLC, the UFC brand completely restructured MMA into a highly organized and controlled combat sport. As a result, the UFC organization now offers twelve to fourteen live pay-per-view events annually through cable and satellite providers. UFC fight programs are also distributed internationally throughout the world, including broadcast on Viewer’s Choice in Canada, MAIN EVENT in Australia, Globosat in Brazil and Setanta and Bravo in the United Kingdom.
Response to the UFC brand of MMA has been tremendous, resulting in a growing fan base that has grown exponentially through the years.
Recently, a UFC event in Montreal, Canada attracted more than 21,000 people—the largest audience in North America to witness a mixed martial arts event. UFC® popularity continues to reach new heights as the sixth season of the hit reality series The Ultimate Fighter® delivered top ratings in male 18-34 and 18-34 demographics for the Spike TV cable network.
The UFC organization and Spike TV also extended its two-year strategic partnership through 2008 to present four additional seasons of hit reality series The Ultimate Fighter®, as well as ten live UFC® Fight Night™ events and 26 taped programs of UFC: Unleashed™.
The UFC organization is regulated and recognized by the world’s most prestigious sports regulatory bodies including the California, Florida, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania State Athletic Commissions. The UFC organization strives for the highest levels of safety and quality in all aspects of the sport.
Under the strong leadership of owners Lorenzo Fertitta and Frank Fertitta III, and expertise of President Dana White, the UFC brand continues to thrive across a spectrum of live event sports, television production and ancillary business development.
FAQ
Q. How do I get into the UFC?
Q. How do I get in touch with my favorite fighter?
Q. Who is in the UFC Hall of Fame?
Q. Release Dates for UFC DVDs?
Q. How old do you have to be to fight?
Q. Is UFC available through my cable or satellite company?
Q. If I miss the live pay-per-view show, can I still watch UFC?
Q. What does Zuffa mean?
Q. What is Zuffa?
Q. Does the UFC have a Spanish Audio Feed?
Q. Do you have a local Sports Bar that wants to Air the UFC?
Q. What Stores Carry UFC DVD's?
Q. How do I become an Octagon Girl?
Q: What Does "May not be broadcast" mean? What is a "Swing Fight"?
Q. I can see video play, hear sound or certain pages appear blank. What is wrong?
Q: How do I get into the UFC? [FAQ]
A: Fighting in the UFC requires years of training and fighting experience. If you think you've got what it takes, send a DVD (or website video link) of your fights, and a short bio to:
UFC Fighter Info
Attn: Sean Shelby
PO Box 26959
Las Vegas, NV
89126
You may also send via email to info@ufc.com BE SURE TO TYPE ATTN: SEAN SHELBY in the email subject.
IMPORTANT: Your skills will not be considered unless a DVD, or a link to watch your fight video(s) on the web, is included.
Due to the volume of mail we receive, we may not be able to acknowledge your inquiry.
Q: How do I get in touch with my favorite fighter? [FAQ]
A: Many fighters have their own personal websites through which you can contact them directly. It is our policy to not give out any personal contact information to the general public.
Q: Release Dates for UFC DVDs?[FAQ]
A: UFC DVDs are released to retail stores twice per month. Nationwide stores that will typically carry UFC DVDs for purchase are; major retail and electronic stores including Walmart, Target, Blockbuster, Best Buy, Hollywood Video, FYE, Fry's Electronics, J&R, and Amazon.com, among others; and online at the UFC ONLINE STORE.
Q: How old do you have to be to fight?[FAQ]
A: The sanctioning bodies require that a professional mixed martial arts fighter be at least 18 years of age.
Q: Is UFC available through my cable or satellite company?[FAQ]
A: Unless you are a C-Band customer, chances are UFC is available on pay-per-view through your cable or satellite company. Look under Ultimate Links for current replay schedule. Check your program listings for our next live Pay-Per-View event.
Q: What Does "May not be broadcast" mean? What is a "Swing Fight"?[FAQ]
A. Fights labeled as "may not be broadcast" are scheduled to take place before the live broadcast begins. These pre-recorded fights are inserted into the broadcast if time permits. However, due to broadcast time constraints some of these undercard bouts may not be seen on a broadcast. These additional bouts can be found as bonus footage on the event DVD.
A "Swing Fight" is a bout scheduled during the live event, but under very rare circumstances, may not be shown. Swing Fights may also take place out of order from listed programming.
Q: If I miss the live pay-per-view show, can I still watch UFC [event]?[FAQ]
A: YES. Check your program listing through your cable or satellite company to see what dates and times it is available. Click here for the dates we have available. If all else fails, you see the event when it comes out on DVD(in 3-4 months). Also check on UFC ON DEMAND for replays of the pay-per-view.
Q: What does Zuffa mean?[FAQ]
A: "Zuffa" means to "fight" or to "scrap" in Italian
Q: What is Zuffa?[FAQ]
A: Zuffa, LLC. is the Nevada limited liability company that owns the Ultimate Fighting Championship brand.
Q: Does the UFC have a Spanish Audio Feed? [FAQ]
A: Spanish audio is available at no additional charge. Just press the "SAP" or "ALT AUDIO" button on your remote. It's that easy. Only on DirecTV Para Todos
Q: Do you own a Sports Bar or restaurant in which you want to air UFC® events?[FAQ]
A: Joe Hand promotions will handle this. www.JoeHandPromotions.com or at (800) 557-4263
US locations Click Here: [ www.JoeHandPromotions.com ]
Canada locations Click Here: [ www.canadastarboxing.com ]
Go to [ www.canadastarboxing.com/# ]
Or contact bars@ufc.com
Q: What Stores Carry UFC DVD's[FAQ]
A: The following some of the stores that typically carry UFC DVD's:
Nationwide stores that will typically carry UFC DVDs for purchase are; major retail and electronic stores including Walmart, Target, Blockbuster, Best Buy, Hollywood Video, FYE, Fry's Electronics, J&R, and Amazon.com, among others.
[ Australia/New Zealand : www.Eagleentertainment.com.au ]
[ France/Spain/Italy: www.senshistore.com ]
[ UK: http://www.silvervision.co.uk/ufc/ ]
Q: How do I become an Octagon Girl?[FAQ]
A. If you think you've got what it takes to become an Octagon Girl, send a copy of your portfolio to:
Octagon Girl Info
Attn: Donna Marcolini
PO Box 26959
Las Vegas, NV 89126
Q. I can see video play, hear sound or certain pages appear blank. What is wrong?[FAQ]
A. UFC.COM, UK.UFC.COM, VIDEO.UFC.COM, UFCESPANOL.COM and other UFC websites are designed to work best on a Windows-based PC system, using Internet Explorer 7.0. The video players on UFC.COM and UK.UFC.COM are Flash 8.0 players. The video players on VIDEO.UFC.COM are Windows Media players. If you're having trouble hearing or seeing video on UFC.COM, it is usually caused by a conflict with browsers.
Sometimes problems are caused by a conflict with sound cards, or software codec plug-ins (software that encodes and decodes compressed video and audio). If you can see video, but can't hear audio or vis versa, try re-installing your Flash player or using a different web browser. Try using the most common (not necessarily the "latest and greatest") version of a web browser. That way, when you have issues, you can check online forums, and other resources, for solutions to specific issues.
If you are having trouble playing video on VIDEO.UFC.COM, make sure you are using Internet Explorer version 6.0 or higher on a Windows platform. If you are using this software and you're still having issues, please visit the home page of UFC ON DEMAND during normal business hours and click on 'HELP' in the navagation bar at the top of the page.
UFC ANNOUNCERS
Mike Goldberg - Commentator
Goldberg is one of the most dirversified talents in the broadcast business. Goldberg has served as the play by play announcer for the Ultimate Fighting Championship since 1997. His first UFC® broadcast wasUltimate Japan on December 21, 1997. By the end of 2010, Mike Goldberg will call his 100th live UFC®. In addition to calling live events Goldberg is the host of UFC® Unleashed on Spike TV.
For the last 5 years, Goldberg has also served as host of Fox Sport Net's national coverage of College Football and College Basketball, serving as studio anchor for College Football Saturday as well as ACC Sunday Night Hoops. In addition Mike has been utilised frequently as a sideline reporter for FOX Sports on thier coverage of the Nation Football League (NFL).
Joe Rogan - Comentator
Joe Rogan was the host of the hugely successful reality show 'Fear Factor' for six seasons for NBC. Prior to Fear Factor , Rogan played Joe Garreli, the resident electrician on the hit NBC comedy series 'NewsRadio'.
Since 2002, Rogan has provided color commentary for the UFC on Pay Per View and Spike Television as well as hosting UFC® Wired. Rogan's passion for MMA began with martial arts practice at the age of 13. Within two years , the Boston native earned a black belt and the Massachusetts full contact Tae Kwon Do Champion for four consecutive years. By the age of 19 years, Rogan won the US Open Tae Kwon Do Championship and the Lightweight Champion went on to beat both the middle and heavyweight title-holders to obtain the Grand Championship.
Rogan resides in Los Angeles and regularly performs stand up locally and nationally.
Bruce Buffer - Announcer
Bruce Buffer has been the "Offical Voice of The Octagon TM" for the Ultimate Fighting Championship® since 1996 and with many other mixed martila arts events worldwide and is recognised internationally as "The Voice of Mixed Martial Arts". He is also on SPIKE TV's hit series UFC® Unleashed , UFC Wired and UFC® Fight Night which is televised throughout the year.
Bruce Buffer is classified as a true entrepreneur, announcer, entertainer and motivational speaker who keeps the viewing public attentive and excited about the products and events he represents. He is also well known for introducing International event with his famous phrase "It's TIME!"