04-08-2002, 07:12 PM
Basically, when Ultimate Fighting Championship was first formed in the early 90's, it's premise was no holds barred fighting between different disciplines (wrestling vs. kickboxing, sumo vs. Brazilian jiu-jitsu, boxing vs. tae-kwon-do, etc.). However, after media pressure and legislation threatened the group's existence, it has evolved to the point where all fighters use pretty much the same style, although it is still considered a Mixed Martial Arts promotion. Other groups like PRIDE and Pancrase have evolved in the same way. If you're really interested, I'd recommend checking out the following fights for starters:
Royce Gracie vs. Kimo (UFC3)
Royce Gracie vs. Dan Severn (UFC4)
Rickson Gracie vs. Zulu (Brazil)
Renzo Gracie vs. Eugenio Tadeau (Pentagon Combat)
Mark Coleman vs. Maurice Smith (UFC14)
Tank Abbott vs. Don Frye (UUFC'96)
Randy Coutre vs. Vitor Belfort (UFC15)
Frank Shamrock vs. Enson Inoue (Japan Vale Tudo '97)
Frank Shamrock vs. Tito Ortiz (UFC22)
Royce Gracie vs. Ken Shamrock (UFC1)
But to answer your question, it can and has worked for some time now, despite the many obstacles involved in running a NHB promotion. I just don't think it could work if the fights are worked. What would be the point?
Edited By Sir O on April 08 2002 at 3:15
Royce Gracie vs. Kimo (UFC3)
Royce Gracie vs. Dan Severn (UFC4)
Rickson Gracie vs. Zulu (Brazil)
Renzo Gracie vs. Eugenio Tadeau (Pentagon Combat)
Mark Coleman vs. Maurice Smith (UFC14)
Tank Abbott vs. Don Frye (UUFC'96)
Randy Coutre vs. Vitor Belfort (UFC15)
Frank Shamrock vs. Enson Inoue (Japan Vale Tudo '97)
Frank Shamrock vs. Tito Ortiz (UFC22)
Royce Gracie vs. Ken Shamrock (UFC1)
But to answer your question, it can and has worked for some time now, despite the many obstacles involved in running a NHB promotion. I just don't think it could work if the fights are worked. What would be the point?
Edited By Sir O on April 08 2002 at 3:15