So, I'm going to start from the beginning, and work my way as close as I can to present day. I'm not saying how long it's going to take me to get there, but let's get this party started. To do so, we're going to take a trip 20 years into the past. Bill Clinton had just entered the Oval Office, Jurassic Park was in theaters and the Phillies were on their way to their first National League pennant in 10 years. In the world of mixed martial arts, things were just getting started. In November of 1993 in Denver, Colorado, an organization held a tournament to see who the best fighter on the planet was, and the UFC was born. Let's look back, shall we?
UFC 1: The Beginning
Denver, Colorado
11/12/1993
We're greeted by the first introduction video in UFC history, and boy are the production values lower than they are now. The video promises that the UFC will have three things at their first event: no rules, no judges and no time limits. After a quick rundown of each fighter taking part tonight in the tournament, voice over guy says that anything could happen, and it probably will during the tournament.
After the video, we're introduced to our broadcast team for the night. It's certainly not Mike Goldberg and Joe Rogan, it's Bill Wallace, who stumbles over his introduction to the UFC tournament, Kathy Long, a female kickboxer and...Jim Brown? Really? I guess they were looking for a legitimate professional sports name to bring some mainstream exposure to everything. Anyway, Brown says he wouldn't take part in the tournament, even in his prime, while Long says that speed is going to win the day. I guess some things never do change about the UFC.
We get our introduction to the now famous octagon, and it's much softer then than it is now. There also seems to be more padding around the posts then, and there's no rules about holding onto the cage...because there are no rules!!
Enough with the introductions, it's fight time.
Opening Round
First Fight:
Gerard Gordeau 6'5", 215 lbs
vs.
Teila Tuli 6'2", 420 lbs
Yes, you read that right. Teila Tuli, aside from being an actor, was also a sumo wrestler who tipped the scales at over 400 pounds. There's no rules or weight classes in this UFC. If this was a size competition, I'd put all my money on Tuli, but it's not, and Gerard Gordeau, with his fancy French kickboxing seems like a more well rounded fighter. They both get little intro videos, where Gordeau says he won't make any mistakes and he'll win the tournament, and Tuli thinks that his heart will carry him to victory. Alright then.
Gerard Gordeau 6'5", 215 lbs
vs.
Teila Tuli 6'2", 420 lbs
Yes, you read that right. Teila Tuli, aside from being an actor, was also a sumo wrestler who tipped the scales at over 400 pounds. There's no rules or weight classes in this UFC. If this was a size competition, I'd put all my money on Tuli, but it's not, and Gerard Gordeau, with his fancy French kickboxing seems like a more well rounded fighter. They both get little intro videos, where Gordeau says he won't make any mistakes and he'll win the tournament, and Tuli thinks that his heart will carry him to victory. Alright then.
The Fight:
Here we go, it's the first fight in UFC history. The bell rings, and they circle each other. Tuli makes the first offensive move, shooting in for either a takedown or to just force Gordeau against the cage. Gordeau side steps Tuli, and uses his momentum to have the sumo wrestler land against the cage. Tuli doesn't know how to block from the floor, and that give Gordeau a chance to line up a shot, wind up and kick Tuli SQUARE IN THE MOUTH.
I mean, damn. He got him right in the mouth. It turns out that Tuli lost three teeth from that kick. One went flying into the crowd, costing the UFC their sponsorship deal with Gold's Gym. The other two stayed in Gordeau's foot for the rest of the night. Talk about dedication. Anyway, Tuli has no idea where he is, and Gordeau just hits him with a few right hands to the skull before the referee jumps in to stop the fight. The fight doctor gets called into the ring, sine there's no rules and no one knew how to call the fight off, and he says Tuli's night is over. That's the first UFC fight, a 26 second beatdown of a 400 pound man, who had three teeth knocked out. Nowhere to go but up, I guess.
WINNER-Gerard Gordeau (TKO) :26 seconds
Here we go, it's the first fight in UFC history. The bell rings, and they circle each other. Tuli makes the first offensive move, shooting in for either a takedown or to just force Gordeau against the cage. Gordeau side steps Tuli, and uses his momentum to have the sumo wrestler land against the cage. Tuli doesn't know how to block from the floor, and that give Gordeau a chance to line up a shot, wind up and kick Tuli SQUARE IN THE MOUTH.
I mean, damn. He got him right in the mouth. It turns out that Tuli lost three teeth from that kick. One went flying into the crowd, costing the UFC their sponsorship deal with Gold's Gym. The other two stayed in Gordeau's foot for the rest of the night. Talk about dedication. Anyway, Tuli has no idea where he is, and Gordeau just hits him with a few right hands to the skull before the referee jumps in to stop the fight. The fight doctor gets called into the ring, sine there's no rules and no one knew how to call the fight off, and he says Tuli's night is over. That's the first UFC fight, a 26 second beatdown of a 400 pound man, who had three teeth knocked out. Nowhere to go but up, I guess.
WINNER-Gerard Gordeau (TKO) :26 seconds
Second Fight:
Kevin Rosier 6'4", 265 lbs
vs.
Zane Frazier 6'6", 230 lbs
Kevin Rosier 6'4", 265 lbs
vs.
Zane Frazier 6'6", 230 lbs
This is a much more evenly matched fight in terms of size, as both fighters would be in the UFC Heavyweight division today. Rosier claims to be a five time world kickboxing champion, but says that his best weapon is his right hand. Zane Frazier is a karate specialist and believes that God has given him the strength to win the tournament. He also thinks that he will make the right moves at the right times. These two aren't as interesting as the first two fighters, and I feel like the winner is just going to be fodder for Gordeau anyway.
The Fight:
Rosier just gives off the impression of being awkward looking, and having a gut tucked into his pants isn't doing him any favors. The two fighters head to the middle of the ring out of respect for each other, and that confuses Wallace, who once again brings up that there are no rules in the UFC.
The bell rings, and Rosier rushes towards Frazier, pinning him against the side of the cage before throwing a few right hands and a kick. One of the punches, coupled with Rosier's massive frame, take Frazier to the cage floor, but he quickly stands back up and turns the tables on Rosier, pressing him up against the cage. Rosier stays aggressive while against the cage, but Frazier catches him with a legal shot to the groin and takes control. Frazier is throwing everything he has at Rosier, including grabbing his hair and kneeing him in that massive gut of his, but nothing seems to stagger him too much. Rosier almost seems to be using a rope-a-dope strategy against Frazier, at least that's what it would be if these two guys were in better shape.
Both men are out of gas, and we're less than two minutes into this fight. Frazier scores his first takedown and tries to choke out Rosier, but he can't do it, and Rosier escapes and stands the fight back up. Rosier attempts to throw another punch, but misses so badly that I can't even begin to describe it. He does end up forcing Frazier against the cage again, and this time he starts raining down that deadly right hand with several unanswered shots. Frazier drops to the cage floor, but Rosier doesn't care. He just keeps punching, and throws in a few good head stomps before Frazier's corner throws in the towel to end things.
Rosier just gives off the impression of being awkward looking, and having a gut tucked into his pants isn't doing him any favors. The two fighters head to the middle of the ring out of respect for each other, and that confuses Wallace, who once again brings up that there are no rules in the UFC.
The bell rings, and Rosier rushes towards Frazier, pinning him against the side of the cage before throwing a few right hands and a kick. One of the punches, coupled with Rosier's massive frame, take Frazier to the cage floor, but he quickly stands back up and turns the tables on Rosier, pressing him up against the cage. Rosier stays aggressive while against the cage, but Frazier catches him with a legal shot to the groin and takes control. Frazier is throwing everything he has at Rosier, including grabbing his hair and kneeing him in that massive gut of his, but nothing seems to stagger him too much. Rosier almost seems to be using a rope-a-dope strategy against Frazier, at least that's what it would be if these two guys were in better shape.
Both men are out of gas, and we're less than two minutes into this fight. Frazier scores his first takedown and tries to choke out Rosier, but he can't do it, and Rosier escapes and stands the fight back up. Rosier attempts to throw another punch, but misses so badly that I can't even begin to describe it. He does end up forcing Frazier against the cage again, and this time he starts raining down that deadly right hand with several unanswered shots. Frazier drops to the cage floor, but Rosier doesn't care. He just keeps punching, and throws in a few good head stomps before Frazier's corner throws in the towel to end things.
WINNER-Kevin Rosier (TKO) 4:20
Afterwords, Rosier confirms the rope-a-dope strategy as he struggles to catch his breath. This fight was longer than the first one, but I'm not sure if it was better. So far, we've seen three out of shape fighters and one in shape fighter that now has teeth in his foot. Things have to improve soon, right?
Afterwords, Rosier confirms the rope-a-dope strategy as he struggles to catch his breath. This fight was longer than the first one, but I'm not sure if it was better. So far, we've seen three out of shape fighters and one in shape fighter that now has teeth in his foot. Things have to improve soon, right?
Third Fight:
Royce Gracie 6'1", 180 lbs
vs.
Art Jimmerson 6'1", 196 lbs
Oh boy, here we go. To make a long story short, the UFC was founded on the idea of finding the best fighter in the world. One of the founding partners of the UFC was Rorion Gracie, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu master. Rorion helped found the UFC with the idea that one of his family members would be entered into the first tournament. He handpicked his younger brother Royce to be the family's representative, and boy did that work out well for everyone.
Royce is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and says in his video entry that he is going to win the tournament because he uses Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, a 65 year old fighting style. He's the smallest participant in the tournament, but I'm not going to argue with him. It's 20 years later and I believe that he could still easily beat me in a fight in under a minute.
Art Jimmerson is a boxer, and a successful one at that. At the time of his fight with Gracie, Jimmerson was ranked tenth in the IBF Light Heavyweight division. He's also the first fighter to enter a UFC octagon wearing a glove, as he's sporting a single boxing glove on his right hand. His fighting style, according to him, is to fight hard and fast, and that's why he's going to win the tournament.
Royce Gracie 6'1", 180 lbs
vs.
Art Jimmerson 6'1", 196 lbs
Oh boy, here we go. To make a long story short, the UFC was founded on the idea of finding the best fighter in the world. One of the founding partners of the UFC was Rorion Gracie, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu master. Rorion helped found the UFC with the idea that one of his family members would be entered into the first tournament. He handpicked his younger brother Royce to be the family's representative, and boy did that work out well for everyone.
Royce is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and says in his video entry that he is going to win the tournament because he uses Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, a 65 year old fighting style. He's the smallest participant in the tournament, but I'm not going to argue with him. It's 20 years later and I believe that he could still easily beat me in a fight in under a minute.
Art Jimmerson is a boxer, and a successful one at that. At the time of his fight with Gracie, Jimmerson was ranked tenth in the IBF Light Heavyweight division. He's also the first fighter to enter a UFC octagon wearing a glove, as he's sporting a single boxing glove on his right hand. His fighting style, according to him, is to fight hard and fast, and that's why he's going to win the tournament.
The Fight:
The two meet in the middle, with Jimmerson using the threat of his punching power to keep Gracie at bay for a moment. Gracie turns the tables quickly, using a few kicks to keep Jimmerson back before shooing in for a takedown. Considering Jimmerson is a boxer and is wearing a single boxing glove that is keeping him from grabbing Gracie, the takedown comes quickly and easily, as does the mount that Gracie gets on Jimmerson.
Jimmerson tries to buck Gracie off, but there's no way that is going to happen. Gracie starts to work into position for a submission and presses Jimmerson's head into the canvas...and Jimmerson taps? There wasn't even a submission attempt, but the rumor is that Jimmerson had a potential fight coming up, and his corner told him to give up at the first sign that he was in trouble to prevent any injuries. He certainly did that.
WINNER-Royce Gracie (Submission) 2:18
The two meet in the middle, with Jimmerson using the threat of his punching power to keep Gracie at bay for a moment. Gracie turns the tables quickly, using a few kicks to keep Jimmerson back before shooing in for a takedown. Considering Jimmerson is a boxer and is wearing a single boxing glove that is keeping him from grabbing Gracie, the takedown comes quickly and easily, as does the mount that Gracie gets on Jimmerson.
Jimmerson tries to buck Gracie off, but there's no way that is going to happen. Gracie starts to work into position for a submission and presses Jimmerson's head into the canvas...and Jimmerson taps? There wasn't even a submission attempt, but the rumor is that Jimmerson had a potential fight coming up, and his corner told him to give up at the first sign that he was in trouble to prevent any injuries. He certainly did that.
WINNER-Royce Gracie (Submission) 2:18
That was a really quick fight for Royce that took nothing out of him. I feel sorry for the next guy that has to get into the cage with him.
Fourth Fight:
Ken Shamrock 6'0", 220 lbs
vs.
Pat Smith 6'2", 217 lbs
Ken Shamrock 6'0", 220 lbs
vs.
Pat Smith 6'2", 217 lbs
Before the fight even starts, Bill Wallace decides to state that he thinks the next fight will be the best of the evening. Well, there hasn't been much yet that has been that good so far, Bill.
In his video entry, Ken Shamrock explains that he likes to fight on the ground and has many tools that he can use to win fights. His experience with Pancrase in Japan certainly doesn't hurt either. Aside from Gracie, Shamrock is the only one of these fighters that I really feel could win this tournament. It's a shame that they could face each other in the semifinals, and not the finals.
On the other hand, Pat Smith is a Tae Kwon Do fighter and says that he will win the tournament because, and this is a direct quote from his video, "he's the most strongest, powerfullest, most craziest guy out of all the groups." He also gets the benefit of having the UFC claim that his fighting record is 250-0 coming into this fight. If that was really what his record was, then I'm in line to become the next Pope.
The Fight:
The bell rings, and Smith moves towards Shamrock and throws a leg kick. Shamrock dodges the kick and shoots in on Smith, getting him to the ground after a brief struggle. Smith is able to keep Shamrock in guard, though it's not called that yet. Shamrock wastes little time, hitting Smith with a few shots to the head and body before switching his focus to Smith's exposed right leg.
A heel hook and wrench back later, and Smith's record is now 250-1. It's still impressive, but I doubt it even more now. Shamrock just cut through Smith like a hot knife through butter, and we get the semi-final match up that everyone wanted to see.
WINNER-Ken Shamrock (Submission) 1:57
After the fight, Smith decides to talk some trash and show what a gracious loser he is while the Denver crowd chants "Bullshit." I have no idea why he's complaining, or why the crowd is chanting that, because Smith got caught and tapped clear as day.
The first round is finished, so it's on to the semi-finals of the tournament.
After the fight, Smith decides to talk some trash and show what a gracious loser he is while the Denver crowd chants "Bullshit." I have no idea why he's complaining, or why the crowd is chanting that, because Smith got caught and tapped clear as day.
The first round is finished, so it's on to the semi-finals of the tournament.
Semi-Finals
First fight:
Gerard Gordeau vs. Kevin Rosier
Our broadcast team isn't doing the best job at selling this fight, due to all of them saying that whoever wins the fight between Gracie and Shamrock is going to win the tournament. I mean, that's probably true, but that's not the best way to keep people interested in what's been a night of quick fights between a bunch of have-nots and very few haves.
Kevin Rosier was gassed after his fight with Zane Frazier, and he doesn't look much better now. If anything, he actually looks worse. Meanwhile, Gordeau not only has teeth in his foot, but he also has a broken right hand from punching Tuli in the head so many times. On a size comparison, I'd pick Rosier, but even a man with a broken hand that is the proud owner of some new foot teeth has more energy than he does.
Gerard Gordeau vs. Kevin Rosier
Our broadcast team isn't doing the best job at selling this fight, due to all of them saying that whoever wins the fight between Gracie and Shamrock is going to win the tournament. I mean, that's probably true, but that's not the best way to keep people interested in what's been a night of quick fights between a bunch of have-nots and very few haves.
Kevin Rosier was gassed after his fight with Zane Frazier, and he doesn't look much better now. If anything, he actually looks worse. Meanwhile, Gordeau not only has teeth in his foot, but he also has a broken right hand from punching Tuli in the head so many times. On a size comparison, I'd pick Rosier, but even a man with a broken hand that is the proud owner of some new foot teeth has more energy than he does.
The Fight:
Rosier starts the fight by trying the "back your opponent into the wall with no real intent" plan again, but Gordeau counters with some painful looking leg kicks that set Rosier up for a swift punch to the head. The shot to the head rocks Rosier, and he drops to a knee, and this fight is going to be over very shortly. Every time Rosier goes to stand up, Gordeau hits him with another punch, and Rosier eventually ends up curled up in his corner, getting hit every time he moves.
After the fifth failed attempt by Rosier to stand, Gordeau's punch crumples him. Gordeau gets in one last stomp to the ribs before Rosier's corner wisely throws in the towel. Rosier had no energy left after that first fight, and he paid for it in his second one.
Rosier starts the fight by trying the "back your opponent into the wall with no real intent" plan again, but Gordeau counters with some painful looking leg kicks that set Rosier up for a swift punch to the head. The shot to the head rocks Rosier, and he drops to a knee, and this fight is going to be over very shortly. Every time Rosier goes to stand up, Gordeau hits him with another punch, and Rosier eventually ends up curled up in his corner, getting hit every time he moves.
After the fifth failed attempt by Rosier to stand, Gordeau's punch crumples him. Gordeau gets in one last stomp to the ribs before Rosier's corner wisely throws in the towel. Rosier had no energy left after that first fight, and he paid for it in his second one.
WINNER-Gerard Gordeau (TKO) :59 seconds
After the fight, Rosier says that he would come back to the UFC if they want him back, and that he's out of retirement. I think the less we see of Kevin Rosier after this event, the better.
Meanwhile, Kathy and Jim Brown discuss how they thought the fights were going to go tonight. Kathy says she thought the fights would have been longer, while Jim gets in some actual analysis, bringing up the advantage that submission fighters have over strikers because of their ground game.
After the fight, Rosier says that he would come back to the UFC if they want him back, and that he's out of retirement. I think the less we see of Kevin Rosier after this event, the better.
Meanwhile, Kathy and Jim Brown discuss how they thought the fights were going to go tonight. Kathy says she thought the fights would have been longer, while Jim gets in some actual analysis, bringing up the advantage that submission fighters have over strikers because of their ground game.
Second Fight:
Royce Gracie vs. Ken Shamrock
For the second time, Bill offers a pick for best fight of the night, and he might be more accurate with this pick. Gracie and Shamrock was the first real rivalry in the UFC, and this is the first fight between the two of them.
While Bill is the only one willing to say this fight will be the best of the night, all three announcers believe that the fight won't be quick, because of the ground skills of both fighters. Let's see what happens.
Royce Gracie vs. Ken Shamrock
For the second time, Bill offers a pick for best fight of the night, and he might be more accurate with this pick. Gracie and Shamrock was the first real rivalry in the UFC, and this is the first fight between the two of them.
While Bill is the only one willing to say this fight will be the best of the night, all three announcers believe that the fight won't be quick, because of the ground skills of both fighters. Let's see what happens.
The Fight:
Royce shoots in for the takedown right after the bell, but Shamrock stops it with his sprawl and goes for one of his own. After a short struggle for positioning, Shamrock ends up in Gracie's guard. Shamrock loses control a few seconds later, and Gracie takes full advantage, ending up in the mount once again. Gracie slips behind Shamrock and starts setting him up for a choke,
Try as he might, Shamrock can't get Gracie off of him and gets caught in a choke and taps. The referee didn't see the tap, and orders the fight to continue after Gracie lets go of the choke, but Shamrock takes his loss and tells the ref what happened. The fight that everyone thought would be the longest of the night is over in under a minute, and man does Gracie look unstoppable right now.
WINNER-Royce Gracie (Submission) :57 seconds
After the fight, Shamrock admits that he left himself open for a choke and that Gracie was quicker than he thought. He also teases the first possible rematch, apologizing for such a quick fight and promising that he would be better prepared for a next fight. Oh Ken Shamrock, you're going to learn eventually that rematches don't end well for you.
Royce shoots in for the takedown right after the bell, but Shamrock stops it with his sprawl and goes for one of his own. After a short struggle for positioning, Shamrock ends up in Gracie's guard. Shamrock loses control a few seconds later, and Gracie takes full advantage, ending up in the mount once again. Gracie slips behind Shamrock and starts setting him up for a choke,
Try as he might, Shamrock can't get Gracie off of him and gets caught in a choke and taps. The referee didn't see the tap, and orders the fight to continue after Gracie lets go of the choke, but Shamrock takes his loss and tells the ref what happened. The fight that everyone thought would be the longest of the night is over in under a minute, and man does Gracie look unstoppable right now.
WINNER-Royce Gracie (Submission) :57 seconds
After the fight, Shamrock admits that he left himself open for a choke and that Gracie was quicker than he thought. He also teases the first possible rematch, apologizing for such a quick fight and promising that he would be better prepared for a next fight. Oh Ken Shamrock, you're going to learn eventually that rematches don't end well for you.
Before the final fight of the evening, there's an in cage tribute to Helio Gracie, the founder of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the head of the Gracie family. It's a nice nod to a man who kicked a lot of asses in his life, but you would never see something like this in the UFC now.
With the finals on tap, the broadcast booth is making their picks, and all of them are behind Royce Gracie, saying that the win should be quick and on the ground. The only chance Gordeau has, according to these three, is to be ready for any and all submission attempts.
The winner of the finals gets $50,000?? Damn.
Once again, I would like to point out that Gordeau has two teeth still stuck in his foot from his first fight of the night, which was a good hour before this one started. He's nothing if not tough, and maybe a little insane.
UFC 1 Finals
Gerard Gordeau vs. Royce Gracie
The Fight:
Just like his last two fights, Gracie shoots in for the takedown right away. Gordeau offers a little resistance, grabbing the cage to try and stop it, but he gets taken to the ground regardless. Gracie quickly slips behind Gordeau and takes his back, and that's the opposite of what Gordeau wanted to have happen.
Gracie works the arms into place, and though Gordeau is trying to fight the choke, there's nowhere for him to go, and the man with the broken hand and teeth in his foot has to tap out. I didn't expect any other outcome, and honestly, I don't think anyone else did, either.
In his first showing in the UFC, Royce Gracie needed less than five minutes to defeat three men, all of whom were bigger than him. That's nothing if not impressive and one hell of a commercial for Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
Just like his last two fights, Gracie shoots in for the takedown right away. Gordeau offers a little resistance, grabbing the cage to try and stop it, but he gets taken to the ground regardless. Gracie quickly slips behind Gordeau and takes his back, and that's the opposite of what Gordeau wanted to have happen.
Gracie works the arms into place, and though Gordeau is trying to fight the choke, there's nowhere for him to go, and the man with the broken hand and teeth in his foot has to tap out. I didn't expect any other outcome, and honestly, I don't think anyone else did, either.
In his first showing in the UFC, Royce Gracie needed less than five minutes to defeat three men, all of whom were bigger than him. That's nothing if not impressive and one hell of a commercial for Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
WINNER-Royce Gracie (Submission) 1:44
In the cage afterwords, Gracie thanks his brothers for teaching him how to fight. He says his strategy for the night was not to get hit and that Gracie Jiu-Jitsu will always win when people don't know what to do in a fight. As for what he's going to do with his giant check, Gracie tells the crowd that he's going to Disneyland.
Royce gets his $50,000 check, and a medal, and that's a wrap for this first UFC event.
My Take: Man, has the UFC come a long way from this first event. There wasn't really a lot to see here, save for Royce Gracie running through the entire field, and someone getting their teeth kicked into the stands. I'd say watch the event for historical purposes only, but if you're looking for the UFC as it is today, you need to keep looking.
My Take: Man, has the UFC come a long way from this first event. There wasn't really a lot to see here, save for Royce Gracie running through the entire field, and someone getting their teeth kicked into the stands. I'd say watch the event for historical purposes only, but if you're looking for the UFC as it is today, you need to keep looking.
Up Next: The UFC expands their tournament to 16 fighters! It's double the fighters, double the fun, but can anyone stop Royce Gracie?
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