The origins of martial arts, which laid the foundation for modern combat sports, date back to ancient Greece, where pankration was a prominent event in the Olympic Games. This early martial art combined elements of boxing and wrestling. The Romans later adapted and intensified the practice with their own version, known as pancratium, which was notably brutal.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, mixed-style fights began to gain popularity across Europe and the Far East. Audiences were fascinated by bouts featuring classic boxers going up against skilled wrestlers.

The modern era of mixed martial arts (MMA) was heralded by the establishment of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 1993 in Denver. The UFC played a crucial role in evolving MMA from a mere spectacle into a legitimate sport. This development spurred the creation of new promotions, primarily in the United States and Japan. Despite variations in competition rules, many fighters have successfully competed across different organizations.

The dynamic and compelling nature of MMA fights quickly attracted major television networks, greatly enhancing the sport’s popularity. Efforts to standardize rules across promotions, particularly concerning prohibited techniques, have also contributed to the sport’s ongoing evolution.