In subsequent events, more rigorous rules were created and fighters began adopting effective techniques from more than one discipline, which indirectly helped create a separate style of fighting known as present-day mixed martial arts. The purpose of the UFC's early competitions was to identify the most effective martial art in a contest with minimal rules and no weight classes between competitors of different fighting disciplines. The UFC was founded by businessman Art Davie and Brazilian martial artist Rorion Gracie, and the first event was held in 1993 at the McNichols Sports Arena in Denver, Colorado. Under White's stewardship, it has grown into a global multi-billion-dollar enterprise. Dana White has been its president since 2001 and CEO since 2023. As of 2022, it had held over 600 events. It produces events worldwide that showcase 11 weight divisions (eight men's and three women's) and abides by the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts. It is the largest MMA promotion in the world as of 2023. It is owned and operated by TKO Group Holdings, a majority owned subsidiary of Endeavor Group Holdings.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship ( UFC) is an American mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion company based in Las Vegas, Nevada.
