It’s a given that the early version of the UFC looked nearly nothing like it looks today.
Far, far in the rearview mirror are the days when the promotion was worried about just being able to put events on legally, or get them broadcast – in large part thanks to Arizona Sen. John McCain, whose “human cockfighting” campaign against the UFC created a lot of early struggles.
The event said to give McCain his big push in the fight against legal MMA was UFC 8, which took place Feb. 16, 1996, in Puerto Rico. It was the first time the UFC went outside the country, and there were 11th-hour issues with the government, with broadcast bans – just general chaos.
Historically, the even is more notable for its importance in the UFC origin story – though the superfight title fight between Ken Shamrock and Kimo Leopolodo was a spectacle that you can watch in the video above.
Which UFC was Dan Severn head butting the fuck out of Oleg?
I think it was from inside the guard.
Would be great to bring back the headbutt and soccer kicks. That would change the game completely making the fights more realistic.
Was this before or after the event they weren’t allowed to punch with a closed fist?
you mean what birthed pancrase rules for smaller events? I dont rememeber ufc ever doing that just had to stay in grey area locations for a bit
There was one event where BJM was constantly yelling “OPEN HANDS” cause of some stupid rule.
Edit: UFC 9 had the modified rules.
Yea they had to promise there wouldn’t be closed fist strikes for the Commision or Government to let the event go on.
The fighters we’re supossed to be fined for every closed fist strike. I don’t believe they were fined, just had McCarthy warning them.
It produced one of the worst UFC fights ever. Dan Severn vs Ken Shamrock, where they had backstage agreements on what they would or would not do to each other.
Back when BJM wouldn’t shut the fuck up.
either did McCain
oh shit thank you wow I dont remember ever wacky beginnings huh
well fuck ima run down to blockbuster and rent that one now to see, yall need anything while im out?
The good Gatorade in the glass bottle.
Guy wanted to be a star and was always trying to take the spotlight from the fighters. No different than Bruce buffer. I think it’s called main character syndrome
I read some coach interviews that hated it and spoke up about it. It’s not his job to coach the fighters.
awesome no problem!
we shoulda seen him vs tank back then
John McCain is a huge dead faggot.
The BJJ mafia will never allow this.