UFC 1: The Carny Tradition Lives!

How was the first UFC a carny trick with the intent of working the marks? Who were the people behind the scenes, planning a martial arts bonanza that accidentally birthed the hottest fighting sport in the world? How are the roots of pro wrestling and MMA pretty much identical? Listen to Nick and Chango tell the tale, and find out!

 

Sources:

-"Promoter Issues Invitation". Black Belt Magazine November 1994.

-Shamrock: The World's Most Dangerous Man, by Jonathan Snowden

-Zane Frazier: Why I was Invited to Fight at UFC1. Interview with Dave Mandel from Sherdog.com

-Art Jimmeson, Where Is He Now? Interview with Jordan Breen from Sherdog.com

-Still King of the Hill (Royce Gracie Interview with Sandra E. Kessler) Black Belt Magazine, August 1994.

-UFC 1: The Beginning: Playboy, Mortal Kombat, and the Hunt for an Ultimate Fighter. by Alex Bysouth, BBC Sports.

-Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in Action, vol 1 & 2

-UFC Fightpass content