Mixed martial arts is a full-contact combat sport that allows the use of striking and grappling techniques, both standing and on the ground, from a variety of other combat sports and martial arts. Various mixed-style contests took place throughout Europe and Japan during the early 1900’s.
The combat sport of Vale Tudo, meaning anything goes, that had developed in Brazil in the 1920’s was brought to the United States by the Gracie family in 1993 with the founding of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
