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Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) utilizes fighting styles of boxing, karate and grappling. Different forms of the sport have existed across many different cultures for thousands of years. The basic concept is putting two fighters against each other in hand-to-hand combat. The match ends when one fighter is knocked out, submits or is deemed unfit to continue by a referee. There is a genuine risk of serious injury or death in MMA. With very few rules fighters are free to use virtually any technique and strategy to win.

The first grand entrance of MMA came in 1993 with a pay-per-view event that had no weight class or time limits for bouts. It was a single night event to determine an ultimate champion. Fighters went through multiple, single elimination tournaments. The last fighter standing, after fighting various opponents in single matches, was awarded the title of ultimate fighter.

Within a few years weight class rules, time limits and judges were added to streamline the bouts. Another change was having each fighter only complete in one fight per event. Having the same fighter compete in multiple competitions during one event tended to dramatically shorten the fighter's career. Not having weight classes also presented a challenge in the initial competitions when 400 pound sumo wrestlers would square off against fighters weighing hundreds of pounds less.

As MMA evolved, fighters quickly adapted to multiple fighting styles. Having excellent boxing or grappling skills alone was not enough to win a fight. Fighters who specialized in one style of fighting would quickly find themselves outmatched by more versatile opponents.

By the late 1990s, MMA schools devoted to full-time training of fighters cropped up all around the United States and around the world. The UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) is one of the most popular sporting events in the world as of 2011. This hand-to-hand combat sport truly represents a throwback to gladiator champions of old.

Mixed Martial Arts, due to its tremendous popularity and potential for injury and death, is one of the most heavily regulated sports in the world. Most of the rules are based on Olympic standards of competition for contact sports such as boxing and wrestling. There are over 31 individual rules governing matches. This ensures the highest level of quality and safety possible considering the nature of this contact sport. Fighters are divided up into four weight classes. Each round is set to specific time limits for each round. Doctors and emergency medical specialists are always ring side to monitor fighters during each round. Doctors can stop a round at their discretion.

Successful fighters are actively engaged in training and competition on a full-time basis. The global popularity of the sport ensures a steady income. UFC events, for example, are routinely held at various locations around the world to feed the appetite of international audiences. Fighters from numerous countries actively compete.

Competitors enter a steel cage known as the Octagon. Only the two competitors and a referee are allowed into the Octagon during a match.

Despite having industry leading standards of safety and regulation, MMA events routinely come under scrutiny and criticism. The economic benefits and wide popularity, however, will likely keep the sport safe for many years to come.