There have been many landmark moments in the history of the Ultimate Fighting Championship organization that led to its rise. Without late filmmaker John Milius’ interest in the ancient fighting sport of pankration, the first UFC in 1993 may never had happened. If Brazil’s Gracie family had never taken an interested in jiu-jitsu, they would have never produced UFC’s first champion Royce Gracie. If Dana White hadn’t been raised in Las Vegas, he may never have been in position to steer UFC to massive success.
UFC has evolved far beyond what Milius, the Gracies or even White may have envisioned. From Gracie’s triumph at the first event in Denver, UFC has grown into an international phenomenon, holding mixed martial arts events around the world. UFC conquered television with the Ultimate Fighter series and produced its first generation of legends when Chuck Liddell, Tito Ortiz, Randy Couture and Georges St. Pierre became household names.
Those fighters paved the way for Conor McGregor to become the wealthiest mixed martial artist to date, while Ronda Rousey played a major role in opening the door for female division fights becoming the regular at UFC. Thirty years on, UFC continues to ground-and-pound the competition and maintain its status as MMA’s premiere promoter.
Hall of Fame honorees from 2020
Hall of Fame honorees from 2021
Hall of Fame honorees from 2022
Hall of Fame honorees from 2023
Hall of Fame honorees from 2024
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