For some, the UFC is synonymous with mixed martial arts, and there are probably people out there who think UFC is the only organization sanctioning MMA bouts. UFC certainly dominates the world of MMA, but it's not the only or even the oldest MMA organization in the world. Here is a look at some other organizations in the MMA world.
Founded several years before UFC, Shooto is a Japanese mixed martial arts organization that hosts tournaments around the world. The main branch of the organization is located in Japan, but there are Shooto tournaments in Brazil as well as in Europe, although so far, the organization has gained little steam in the U.S. and Canada. Shoot wrestling is a hybrid of many styles of fighting including Judo, freestyle wrestling, Greco-Roman wrestling, Muay Thai, kickboxing and a few more.
Pancrase is another MMA organization founded in Japan, and it's older than UFC as well if only by a couple of months. The name Pancrase comes from the ancient sport of Pankration, which was an event in the ancient Olympics and perhaps the earliest form of mixed martial arts. At any rate, Pancrase has included a number of well-known MMA fighters on its roster including Ken and Frank Shamrock and former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett.
King of the Cage has been around since 1999 and is still going strong. This California-based organization includes 10 men's division as well as a division for women's junior flyweight. Several KOTC competitors were featured on the reality series "Bully Beatdown," which aired on MTV. Among the notable fighters of KOTC was Joe Camacho, who won the Junior Welterweight Championship in 2008. Camacho died recently of a heart attack at the age of 41.
Bellator MMA is another player in the world of MMA, founded in 2008 by Bjorn Rebney. Bellator is the Latin word for "warrior," and while this organization hasn't been around for long, they have definitely made their presence felt. Fighters such as Alexander Shlemenko, Cole Konrad and Pat Curran have been Bellator champions.
Invicta Fighting Championships is the latest addition to the MMA circuit, and this organization is dedicated solely to women's MMA. Invicta's top star is Cristiane Justino, who is ranked as the No. 2 female MMA in the world. Other solid members of the Invicta FC team include Marloes Coenan and Lauren Murphy. Founded just a few years ago, Invicta has gotten off to a somewhat shaky start, including a breakup of the founding partnership and having Dana White poach some of the organization's best fighters by luring them over to UFC.
Founded several years before UFC, Shooto is a Japanese mixed martial arts organization that hosts tournaments around the world. The main branch of the organization is located in Japan, but there are Shooto tournaments in Brazil as well as in Europe, although so far, the organization has gained little steam in the U.S. and Canada. Shoot wrestling is a hybrid of many styles of fighting including Judo, freestyle wrestling, Greco-Roman wrestling, Muay Thai, kickboxing and a few more.
Pancrase is another MMA organization founded in Japan, and it's older than UFC as well if only by a couple of months. The name Pancrase comes from the ancient sport of Pankration, which was an event in the ancient Olympics and perhaps the earliest form of mixed martial arts. At any rate, Pancrase has included a number of well-known MMA fighters on its roster including Ken and Frank Shamrock and former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett.
King of the Cage has been around since 1999 and is still going strong. This California-based organization includes 10 men's division as well as a division for women's junior flyweight. Several KOTC competitors were featured on the reality series "Bully Beatdown," which aired on MTV. Among the notable fighters of KOTC was Joe Camacho, who won the Junior Welterweight Championship in 2008. Camacho died recently of a heart attack at the age of 41.
Bellator MMA is another player in the world of MMA, founded in 2008 by Bjorn Rebney. Bellator is the Latin word for "warrior," and while this organization hasn't been around for long, they have definitely made their presence felt. Fighters such as Alexander Shlemenko, Cole Konrad and Pat Curran have been Bellator champions.
Invicta Fighting Championships is the latest addition to the MMA circuit, and this organization is dedicated solely to women's MMA. Invicta's top star is Cristiane Justino, who is ranked as the No. 2 female MMA in the world. Other solid members of the Invicta FC team include Marloes Coenan and Lauren Murphy. Founded just a few years ago, Invicta has gotten off to a somewhat shaky start, including a breakup of the founding partnership and having Dana White poach some of the organization's best fighters by luring them over to UFC.
About the Author:
Rod Bourgoine loves writing about mixed martial arts benefits. For further details about an MMA gym in San Diego or to find San Diego jiu jitsu lessons, visit The Arena MMA website now.
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