UFC
The UFC started staging fights in 1993 with the goal of finding the ultimate fighting champion during a single-night tournament featuring the best athletes skilled in various martial arts disciplines.
The first big step forward came in 2001 when Frank Fertitta III and Lorenzo Fertitta took over the promotion and gave Dana White the title of UFC president.
With White leading the way, the UFC grew into the world's preeminent mixed martial arts promotion. The Ultimate Fighter reality television program, which started in 2005, and the 2013 launch of the UFC Fight Pass digital subscription service, helped widen its audience.
The UFC stages more than 40 live events each year that are broadcast to more than 1.1 billion people in 165 countries with the help of 165 global broadcast partners.
Year founded: 1993
Number of weight classes: 8 for men, 4 for women
President: Dana White
Featured articles:
A Breakdown of How UFC Fighters Get Paid
How Many Weight Classes Are There in Women’s UFC?
10 Fighters Who Have Made the Most Money in UFC
Read the latest news, rumors, and analysis on the UFC:
Daniel Cormier was rejected by an NBA superstar before the 2004 Olympics when he asked for an autograph. That shaped Cormier's approach in how he interacts with his fans today.
Daniel Cormier is considered by many to be one of the greatest UFC fighters of all time. How much is Daniel Cormier's net worth?
Paige VanZant has made her name in the UFC. Going forward, VanZant will no longer fight in UFC. She won't even fight in MMA. She's signed a deal worth over $1 million to fight in Bare Knuckle FC.
Daniel Cormier is one of the greatest fighters in MMA history. His legacy is secure. With rumors of retirement swirling, this weekend he announced his plans after his upcoming fight with Stipe Miocic.
Veteran UFC referee Marc Goddard is respected throughout the MMA world. That didn't matter to one fighter who attacked Goddard at the conclusion of his fight.
Ronda Rousey is one of the top female athletes on the planet. In her time with the UFC, and now with WWE, she has amassed a large net worth.
The UFC has its next star in Khamzat Chimaev and it's a replica of Khabib Nurmagomedov. One difference — Chimaev just made UFC history winning twice in 11 days.
Megan Olivi is the UFC fan's source for all things pre- and post-fight. She's covered UFC for 10 years, has an interesting past, and is married to a fighter. Who is Megan Olivi?
Dan Ige regularly trains with Khabib Nurmagomedov. The champ once offered Ige some advice. Ige rejected it. Now he's on a six-fight win streak and the No. 10-ranked UFC featherweight.
The fastest knockout in UFC history sent the careers of its two participants in very different directions. One is fighting for a title while the other is out of MMA altogether.
