What is the most effective fighting style? For centuries, this question was the subject of endless debate. A boxer might argue for the power of their punches, while a wrestler would champion the control of grappling. In 1993, an event was created to find a definitive answer. It was called the Ultimate Fighting Championship, or UFC.

The original concept was simple: pit fighters from different martial arts backgrounds against each other in a one-night tournament. The goal was to see which discipline would triumph in a realistic, minimally restricted fight. There were no weight classes, no time limits, and very few rules. A 400-pound sumo wrestler could face a 170-pound jiu-jitsu practitioner. The arena for this experiment was a caged, eight-sided ring called the Octagon, designed to prevent fighters from falling out and to provide a neutral battleground.

The early UFC events were brutal and chaotic. Fights ended only by knockout, submission, or a fighter's corner throwing in the towel. While this raw format attracted a cult following, it also drew heavy criticism. Politicians labeled it "human cockfighting" and successfully campaigned to have it banned from television and in most states.

For the UFC to survive, it had to evolve. The organization began working with state athletic commissions to establish a formal set of rules that would legitimize mixed martial arts as a sport and, most importantly, protect the fighters. This transformation was crucial, shifting the UFC from a controversial spectacle into a professional athletic competition.

Under the new rules, the free-for-all tournament format was replaced by a more structured system. Two of the most significant changes were the introduction of weight classes and time limits.

Weight classes ensure that competitors face opponents of a similar size, making fights fairer and safer. Fights are now divided into rounds. A standard non-championship UFC bout consists of three five-minute rounds. Championship fights and main events are longer, scheduled for five five-minute rounds.

Fighters can now win in several ways: by knockout (KO), by submission (forcing an opponent to quit), or by a judges' decision if the fight lasts for all scheduled rounds. Three judges score each round based on striking, grappling, and octagon control, ensuring a winner is declared even without a definitive finish.

A modern UFC event is a carefully structured affair. The card, or lineup of fights, is typically split into three parts: Early Preliminary Card, Preliminary Card, and the Main Card. The fights build in significance, with up-and-coming fighters often competing on the early cards and more established names appearing later.

The night culminates in the main event, which is the most highly anticipated bout. This fight is often for a championship title or features top-ranked contenders whose matchup has major implications for their division.

Before you go, test your knowledge on the basics of the UFC.

From its controversial beginnings to its current status as a global sports powerhouse, the UFC's structure was built to answer a simple question while evolving to protect its athletes and legitimize the sport of MMA.