In this beginner’s guide, you can read a basic overview of everything related to the UFC. This includes a look at what exactly the UFC is, as well as all the best fighters to look out for.
Hopefully, by the end, all of the questions buzzing around your brain will have been answered. Let’s begin.
- What Is the UFC?
The UFC stands for Ultimate Fighting Championship. It’s a mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion company that was founded back in 1993. Since then, it has reached insane heights, selling millions of PPVs around the world and becoming one of the biggest fighting brands of all time. On top of this, UFC betting has become incredibly popular, too. Whenever a big UFC event takes place, both casual and diehard fans will gather around their TVs to watch it while placing bets on which fighters on the card they think are going to win.
- Who Is the UFC President?
Dana White is the president and face of the UFC. Whenever the UFC is in the news – whether it’s for good or bad reasons – Dana is at the front of it all. Over the years, he’s become an icon amongst the fans and is widely applauded for his honesty and hands-on approach when it comes to running the UFC.
- Where Do UFC Fights Take Place?
UFC fights take place in the notorious ‘Octagon’. As the name suggests, it’s an octagonal-shaped fighting cage made of metal chain-link fencing. Compared to a traditional boxing ring, it’s much meaner and more aggressive, which is why so many fans love it. As soon as you see the Octagon, you know you’re at a UFC event.
When fights are happening in the Octagon, they usually end in TKO or submission. Sometimes, though, fights can make it to the end and go to the judge’s decision.
- What Are the Main UFC Events?
Throughout each year, there are two types of UFC events:
- UFC ‘numbered’ events (e.g., UFC 282)
- UFC Fight Night
UFC numbered events are typically championship fights. On the card, there will be several smaller fights before the big main event that features the biggest fighters and championship contenders. In simple terms, UFC numbered events are the ones that most fans tune in to watch, as they matter the most.
UFC Fight Night events serve the purpose of showcasing young, up-and-coming talent in the company. There are no championship fights during these events, which is why they’re slightly less popular. However, most diehard UFC fans do watch Fight Night events, as they’re still highly entertaining.
- Who Are the Main UFC Fighters?
Throughout UFC history, there have always been ‘main event fighters’, ‘mid-card fighters’, and ‘low-card fighters’. Naturally, fans are most interested in the main event fighters. In other words, the big names. Right now, these fighters include:
- Charles Oliveira
- Dustin Poirier
- Justin Gaethje
- Kamaru Usman
- Nate Diaz
Of course, it’s impossible not to mention Conor McGregor, too, who is regarded as one of the most iconic UFC fighters of all time. Over recent years, Conor has struggled with injuries and various other problems, which is why he has been unable to fight as much. However, he’s expected to make his triumphant return in 2023, which is something exciting to prepare for.