Just three decades ago, few people had ever heard of mixed martial arts, but since the first UFC back in the early 1990s, this sport has definitely gained a massive following. MMA fans know that the sport combines elements of everything from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to boxing to wrestling and Muay Thai, but there are some obscure facts of which fans might not be aware.
In general, statistics show that only about 28% of Americans have graduated from college. Among MMA fighters, more than 80% of UFC have a college degree. This is not only far higher than the national average; it is higher than many other pro sports. Keep in mind that while football players and basketball players attend and graduate from college in high numbers, this is because they were on scholarship and college was similar to minor league training. For MMA athletes, there are few scholarships, and going to college was more of an academic decision than a sports-related one.
In the UFC, fighters battle it out in an octagonal ring. I know, most of you are shaking your heads and muttering, "duh." Why do these fighters fight in an octagon? Is it simply the favorite shape of Rorion Gracie? No. The idea of a non-circular ring or cage derives from the idea that different fighting styles are better displayed in an octagon, or in the case of Strikeforce, a hexagon. In addition, there was this fairly awesome Chuck Norris movie in 1980 called "The Octagon," where Norris is a martial artist trying to defeat a group of ninjas known as The Octagon.
Since 2001, Zuffa, LLC, has been the parent company of the UFC. 81% of the UFC is owned by Zuffa which is owned by the Fertitta brothers who named the company after the Italian word for scuffle. Dana White owns 9% of the company and Sheik Tahnoon of Abu Dhabi owns the remaining 10%. What's far more interesting than the division of the company is the fact that company bylaws state that disputes between the two Fertitta brothers will be settled via a Jiu-Jitsu bout. That's certainly an interesting way to settle corporate issues.
MMA fighters come from a variety of occupations, including dozens of fighters that have served in the Armed Forces, as well as firefighters and police officer. While that's hardly a surprise, a few fighters have more unique former careers or side careers. For example, Mauricio Rua was a runway model in Brazil before hitting the Octagon, and Georges St-Pierre worked as a garbage collector. Chael Sonnen was a real estate agent at one point, but fighting has certainly worked out better for him, as he was targeted for taking part in a money laundering scheme.
No one would ever deny that MMA is dangerous, and injuries are certainly common. However, many professional sports have their share of injuries and even deaths. Since the first sanctioned MMA events in the early 1990s, there have been three deaths that were the direct result of an MMA fight. Boxing has been around quite a bit longer, but the number of deaths in the last 125 years is more than 900. In the same period of time that the pro MMA bouts have been held, there have been eight drivers killed during NASCAR events.
In general, statistics show that only about 28% of Americans have graduated from college. Among MMA fighters, more than 80% of UFC have a college degree. This is not only far higher than the national average; it is higher than many other pro sports. Keep in mind that while football players and basketball players attend and graduate from college in high numbers, this is because they were on scholarship and college was similar to minor league training. For MMA athletes, there are few scholarships, and going to college was more of an academic decision than a sports-related one.
In the UFC, fighters battle it out in an octagonal ring. I know, most of you are shaking your heads and muttering, "duh." Why do these fighters fight in an octagon? Is it simply the favorite shape of Rorion Gracie? No. The idea of a non-circular ring or cage derives from the idea that different fighting styles are better displayed in an octagon, or in the case of Strikeforce, a hexagon. In addition, there was this fairly awesome Chuck Norris movie in 1980 called "The Octagon," where Norris is a martial artist trying to defeat a group of ninjas known as The Octagon.
Since 2001, Zuffa, LLC, has been the parent company of the UFC. 81% of the UFC is owned by Zuffa which is owned by the Fertitta brothers who named the company after the Italian word for scuffle. Dana White owns 9% of the company and Sheik Tahnoon of Abu Dhabi owns the remaining 10%. What's far more interesting than the division of the company is the fact that company bylaws state that disputes between the two Fertitta brothers will be settled via a Jiu-Jitsu bout. That's certainly an interesting way to settle corporate issues.
MMA fighters come from a variety of occupations, including dozens of fighters that have served in the Armed Forces, as well as firefighters and police officer. While that's hardly a surprise, a few fighters have more unique former careers or side careers. For example, Mauricio Rua was a runway model in Brazil before hitting the Octagon, and Georges St-Pierre worked as a garbage collector. Chael Sonnen was a real estate agent at one point, but fighting has certainly worked out better for him, as he was targeted for taking part in a money laundering scheme.
No one would ever deny that MMA is dangerous, and injuries are certainly common. However, many professional sports have their share of injuries and even deaths. Since the first sanctioned MMA events in the early 1990s, there have been three deaths that were the direct result of an MMA fight. Boxing has been around quite a bit longer, but the number of deaths in the last 125 years is more than 900. In the same period of time that the pro MMA bouts have been held, there have been eight drivers killed during NASCAR events.
About the Author:
Rod Bourgoine likes writing about mixed martial arts advantages. For additional info about a mixed martial arts gym in San Diego or to find muay thai San Diego coaches, please go to The Arena MMA site today.
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