Fight Tickets - Boxing and UFC

Since the dawn of civilization, fans have enjoyed watching two well-trained athletes exchanging blows inside a boxing ring. Boxing has a rich history dating back to 4000 B.C in North Africa. The more recognizable version of boxing was established in the 19th century when formal rules were introduced. The new rules included time limits for rounds, prohibiting tactics such as biting or gouging, and the mandated use of gloves. In 1927 the National Boxing Association was created to provide uniform guidance and help promote the sport on a global basis.

The UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) evolved from the growing popularity of mixed martial arts (MMA) along with the public's desire to see the tactics and techniques of different disciplines pitted against each other. The first UFC tournament was organized by the Semaphore Entertainment Group and held on November 12, 1993. While early UFC fights were entertaining, they typically lacked structure and a universal set of rules. The lack of weight classes often resulted in unfair mismatches between fighters with substantial size differences. The number of rounds in a fight and the length of each round could vary significantly by tournament. However, despite these early inconsistencies, the intense action continued to draw fans to the sport in increasing numbers.

Modern boxing has evolved into a high profile sport that has produced some of the most widely recognized athletes in the world. There are currently seventeen different weight divisions in boxing ranging from mini flyweight through the heavyweight division for boxers 200 pounds and above. Professional boxing championship belts are awarded through twenty one different sanctioning agencies, but the most widely recognized governing bodies are the WBA, WBC, WBO and IBF.

The UFC continues to improve its image and the competitive appeal of the sport. With the creation of different weight classes and the evolution of a common MMA fighting style, mismatches that lacked action have been largely eliminated. Coupled with other rules designed to ensure fighter safety, the UFC has satisfied its harshest critics and established itself as a legitimate sport. A UFC reality show helped showcase MMA to an entirely new demographic, while the inclusion of the Pride Fighting Championship organization ensures that exciting, competitive contests will continue for many years to come.