What is MMA or Mixed Martial Arts?

Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a full contact combat sport that allows a wide variety of fighting techniques, from a mixture of martial arts traditions and non-traditions, to be used in competitions. The rules allow the use of striking and grappling techniques, both while standing and on the ground. Such competitions allow martial artists of different backgrounds to compete.

The roots of mixed martial arts can be traced back to various mixed style contests that took place throughout Europe, Japan and the Pacific Rim during the early 1900\'s. Modern MMA competition emerged in 1993 with the founding of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Originally organized with the intention of finding the most effective martial arts for real unarmed combat situations, competitors were pitted against each other with minimal rules for safety. Later, promoters adopted many additional rules aimed at increasing safety for competitors and to promote mainstream acceptance of the sport. The sport has seen a huge increase in popularity with its pay-per-view reach rivaling and exceeding boxing and professional wreslting revenues.