The UFC might be the most dominant name in mixed martial arts, but this huge organization isn't the only player in MMA. There are several other important MMA organizations out there, including a few that predate the beginnings of UFC way back in 1993. Here are a few other organizations sanctioning major MMA bouts throughout the year.
Shooto, which is based in Japan, predates the UFC by several years. This organization focuses mainly on shoot wrestling, which includes elements of freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling as well as karate, kickboxing, Judo, Muay Thai and even Sambo making it a true mixed martial art. Shoot was founded in 1985 and while not immensely popular in the United States, there are competitions throughout the Pacific Rim, Europe and South America.
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 primarily a venue for more up-and-coming fighters, King of the Cage is an MMA group that has been part of the action since 1999. Jason Miller is a notable proponent of this organization, and this controversial MMA fighter was the host of "Bully Beatdown," which featured a variety of fighters on the KOTC roster. Joe Camacho, a popular MMA and BJJ fighter who recently died of a heart attack, was another notable KOTC fighter, winning the Junior Welterweight division title in 2008.
Like King of the Cage, Bellator doesn't feature a huge roster of big MMA names, but since its inception in 2008, it has featured such names as Cole Konrad, Pat Curran and Alexander Shlemenko, all three of which have earned championship titles. Tito Ortiz is another notable Bellator fighter, although he has yet to fight a Bellator bout. He is, however, in the UFC Hall of Fame.
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.
Shooto, which is based in Japan, predates the UFC by several years. This organization focuses mainly on shoot wrestling, which includes elements of freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling as well as karate, kickboxing, Judo, Muay Thai and even Sambo making it a true mixed martial art. Shoot was founded in 1985 and while not immensely popular in the United States, there are competitions throughout the Pacific Rim, Europe and South America.
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 primarily a venue for more up-and-coming fighters, King of the Cage is an MMA group that has been part of the action since 1999. Jason Miller is a notable proponent of this organization, and this controversial MMA fighter was the host of "Bully Beatdown," which featured a variety of fighters on the KOTC roster. Joe Camacho, a popular MMA and BJJ fighter who recently died of a heart attack, was another notable KOTC fighter, winning the Junior Welterweight division title in 2008.
Like King of the Cage, Bellator doesn't feature a huge roster of big MMA names, but since its inception in 2008, it has featured such names as Cole Konrad, Pat Curran and Alexander Shlemenko, all three of which have earned championship titles. Tito Ortiz is another notable Bellator fighter, although he has yet to fight a Bellator bout. He is, however, in the UFC Hall of Fame.
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 benefits. For more information about an MMA gym in San Diego or to find San Diego jiu jitsu lessons, visit The Arena MMA website today.
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