Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a full-contact combat sport that allows both striking and grappling, both standing
and on the ground, using techniques from other combat sports and martial arts. The first documented use of the
term mixed martial arts was in a review of UFC 1 by television critic Howard Rosenberg in 1993. The term
gained popularity when newfullcontact.com, then one of the largest websites covering the sport, hosted and
republished the article. The question of who actually coined the term is subject to debate.
During the early 20th century, various mixed-style contests took place throughout Japan and the Pacific Rim.
In 1980 CV Productions, Inc., created the first regulated MMA league in the United States, named Tough Guy
Contest, later renamed Battle of the Superfighters. The company sanctioned ten tournaments in Pennsylvania.
However, in 1983 the Pennsylvania State Senate passed a bill prohibiting the sport.
Originally promoted as a competition to find the most effective martial arts for real unarmed combat,
competitors from different fighting styles were pitted against one another in contests with relatively few
rules. Later, individual fighters employed multiple martial arts into their style. MMA promoters were
pressured to adopt additional rules to increase competitors' safety, to comply with sport regulations and to
broaden mainstream acceptance of the sport. Following these changes, the sport has seen increased popularity
with a pay-per-view business that rivals boxing and professional wrestling.
