For some, the UFC is synonymous with mixed martial arts, and there are probably people out there who think UFC is the only organization sanctioning MMA bouts. UFC certainly dominates the world of MMA, but it's not the only or even the oldest MMA organization in the world. Here is a look at some other organizations in the MMA world.
Founded several years before UFC, Shooto is a Japanese mixed martial arts organization that hosts tournaments around the world. The main branch of the organization is located in Japan, but there are Shooto tournaments in Brazil as well as in Europe, although so far, the organization has gained little steam in the U.S. and Canada. Shoot wrestling is a hybrid of many styles of fighting including Judo, freestyle wrestling, Greco-Roman wrestling, Muay Thai, kickboxing and a few more.
Pancrase is another MMA organization founded in Japan, and it's older than UFC as well if only by a couple of months. The name Pancrase comes from the ancient sport of Pankration, which was an event in the ancient Olympics and perhaps the earliest form of mixed martial arts. At any rate, Pancrase has included a number of well-known MMA fighters on its roster including Ken and Frank Shamrock and former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett.
While it lacks some of the big names of other organizations, King of the Cage has been around for about 15 years and continues to host some great fights. There are 10 different men's divisions as well as a division for women. KOTC, as it is known, featured several of its fighters on the reality show "Bully Beatdown," which aired for three seasons on MTV. Jason "Mayhem" Miller, a controversial figure in MMA, was the host of the show and has served as an announcer for several KOTC events.
Bellator is a smaller organization with a short history, dating back only to 2008. However, this MMA organization has some solid fighters, and among its champions are fighters such as Pat Curran and Alexander Shlemenko. Tito Ortiz, who has been inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, came out of retirement for a Bellator bout in 2013. However, he pulled out of the bout due to injury.
Invicta Fighting Championships is the latest addition to the MMA circuit, and this organization is dedicated solely to women's MMA. Invicta's top star is Cristiane Justino, who is ranked as the No. 2 female MMA in the world. Other solid members of the Invicta FC team include Marloes Coenan and Lauren Murphy. Founded just a few years ago, Invicta has gotten off to a somewhat shaky start, including a breakup of the founding partnership and having Dana White poach some of the organization's best fighters by luring them over to UFC.
Founded several years before UFC, Shooto is a Japanese mixed martial arts organization that hosts tournaments around the world. The main branch of the organization is located in Japan, but there are Shooto tournaments in Brazil as well as in Europe, although so far, the organization has gained little steam in the U.S. and Canada. Shoot wrestling is a hybrid of many styles of fighting including Judo, freestyle wrestling, Greco-Roman wrestling, Muay Thai, kickboxing and a few more.
Pancrase is another MMA organization founded in Japan, and it's older than UFC as well if only by a couple of months. The name Pancrase comes from the ancient sport of Pankration, which was an event in the ancient Olympics and perhaps the earliest form of mixed martial arts. At any rate, Pancrase has included a number of well-known MMA fighters on its roster including Ken and Frank Shamrock and former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett.
While it lacks some of the big names of other organizations, King of the Cage has been around for about 15 years and continues to host some great fights. There are 10 different men's divisions as well as a division for women. KOTC, as it is known, featured several of its fighters on the reality show "Bully Beatdown," which aired for three seasons on MTV. Jason "Mayhem" Miller, a controversial figure in MMA, was the host of the show and has served as an announcer for several KOTC events.
Bellator is a smaller organization with a short history, dating back only to 2008. However, this MMA organization has some solid fighters, and among its champions are fighters such as Pat Curran and Alexander Shlemenko. Tito Ortiz, who has been inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, came out of retirement for a Bellator bout in 2013. However, he pulled out of the bout due to injury.
Invicta Fighting Championships is the latest addition to the MMA circuit, and this organization is dedicated solely to women's MMA. Invicta's top star is Cristiane Justino, who is ranked as the No. 2 female MMA in the world. Other solid members of the Invicta FC team include Marloes Coenan and Lauren Murphy. Founded just a few years ago, Invicta has gotten off to a somewhat shaky start, including a breakup of the founding partnership and having Dana White poach some of the organization's best fighters by luring them over to UFC.
About the Author:
Rod Bourgoine enjoys blogging about mixed martial arts advantages. For more details about an MMA gym in San Diego or to find San Diego jiu jitsu classes, check out The Arena MMA website today.
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