UFC 1: a look back
Date: 2009-07-01 00:00:00
Source: http://www.peoplesdefender.com/main.asp?SectionID=...
Submitted By: UFC Dump
As the UFC prepares for the monumental event of UFC 100, it's time to take a look back to where it all started, UFC 1. Many of today's fans look back at UFC 1 with skepticism as few of the fighters were versed in any fighting disciplines outside of their area of expertise. Although this is true, unlike today's UFC, fighters were exposed to risks such as fighting much heavier opponents, head butts, striking downed opponents and having to fight three times in one night to win a title. They also faced fighters who were champions in their given discipline. UFC 1 started the phenomenon that exists today with both MMA and jiu-jitsu. The entire future of the sport could have been changed had Royce Gracie not been successful. In the end, Royce showed how jiu-jitsu, unlike other disciplines, teaches smaller fighters how to defend themselves against opponents of all sizes. The Ultimate Fighting Championship got its start with a no holds barred tournament style event on November 12, 1993 in Denver, Colo., which included two UFC Hall of Famers in Royce Gracie and Ken Shamrock. The beginning of the event started with a promo emphasizing no rules (except for eye gauges, biting and groin shots), no judges scoring and no time limits. The event featured "eight of the most dangerous men in the world," who all came from different disciplines. The event's announcers were Bill Wallace and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Brown. In the intro, the great Jim Brown spoke of all the great fighters and ultimate tough guys he has been around, men like Joe Frazier, Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Dick Butkus and Sam Huff. Brown stated, "I tell you they could not last in this ring." They were joined cage side by five time women's kickboxing champion Kathy Long. Rich Goins served as the ring announcer. First Bout: Teila Tuli, a 410 pound Sumo Wrestler vs. Gerard Gordeau, a 216 pound Savate Boxer and Karate Champion: Official Decision: Gerard Gordeau won in the 1st round advancing to the semi-finals. Second Bout: Kevin Rosier, a 265 pound Kickboxing Champion vs. Zane Frazier, a 230 pound Karate Champion: Official Decision: Kevin Rosier won in the first round advancing to the semi-finals to face Garard Gordeau. Third Bout: Royce Gracie, a 180 pound Jiu-Jitsu Champion vs. Art Jimmersona, a 196 pound Boxing Champion: Official Decision: Royce Gracie won in the first round, advancing to the semi-finals. Fourth Bout: Ken Shamrock, a 220 pound Shootfighting Champion vs. Patrick Smith, a 217 pound Tae Kwon Do Champion: Official Decision: Shamrock won in the 1st round advancing to the semi-finals to face Royce Gracie. Semi-Finals: Gerard Gordeau vs. Kevin Rosier: Gordeau entered the semi-finals with a broken hand, while Rosier had a cut on his right eye. Gordeau quickly landed several kicks to Rosier's legs and knocked him to the ground with several strikes. Gordeau was patient with Rosier on the ground, looking for openings. Gerard picked his spots and landed several strikes, which caused Rosier's corner to quickly throw in the towel. In the post fight interview, Rosier revealed he only trained three weeks prior to the event and the thin air in Denver affected his conditioning, especially competing twice within 45 minutes. Official Decision: Gerard Gordeau advances to the finals. Semi-Finals: Royce Gracie vs. Ken Shamrock: This bout was labeled a fight between two submission fighters. Gracie entered the Octagon unscathed, while Shamrock had a cut on his right eye. Shamrock was ripped at 220 pounds, while Gracie looked like a normal guy at 180 pounds. The eye test would have certainly resulted in predicting an easy Shamrock victory. Royce immediately shot for a takedown in which Shamrock defended. Ken assumed the top position, but Royce rolled Shamrock and landed on top. Gracie grabbed a choke from behind in which Shamrock clearly tapped four times but incredibly the referee didn't see it. Royce let the choke go and exclaimed to the ref that Shamrock tapped. Gracie was infuriated screaming in Shamrock's ear. Finally the referee agreed and called a stop to the action. In true Gracie style, Royce walked to Shamrock and shook his hand. The fighters were gracious as they exited the Octagon. In the post fight interview, Shamrock admitted it was his first time facing a jiu-jitsu practitioner. Official Decision: Royce Gracie advances to the finals to face Gerard Gordeau for the first UFC title. UFC 1 Championship: Royce Gracie vs. Gerard Gordeau: Prior the start of the event, the great Helio Grace was honored in the Octagon. Rorian Gracie read the accomplishments of Helio, including 65 years in Jiu-Jitsu and gave him a plaque. Helio spoke to the crowd and thanked them for being in the event. Gordeau looked very impressive in his two victories, landing wicked combination of knees and punches. Gracie had dominated his first two opponents on the ground. Early in the first round, Gracie faked a leg kick and quickly shot in grabbing a leg. Gordeau fought off the takedown momentarily, until Gracie took him to the ground and grabbed a full mount position. Gordeau manged to battle Gracie and grabbed a side headlock. Gracie quickly rolled out of the headlock and grabbed Gerard's back. Gracie swiftly grabbed a RNC, forcing Gordeau to tap out early in the first round. In the post fight interview, Royce quickly thanked his brother and all of his family for teaching him jiu-jitsu. A proud Helio Gracie looked on with a smile.When Kilmeade asked Royce what he was going to do with the money, Royce smiled and said he was going to Disney Land. Official Decision: The legend was born as Royce Gracie defeated a heavier opponent in all three contests to claim the first UFC Championship and a prize check of $50,000. For a complete history of UFC events visit www.profighting-fans.com. Scott Dryden is the Editor-in-Chief of www.profighting-fans.com.
