MMA is one of the world’s youngest major sports. It has nothing like the long, rich history of boxing’s continuous practice for the last 400 years. However, that means that the birth of MMA is in living memory; those who brought it into being are here to share their experiences.
But one of those who helped the sport at a critical juncture is now no longer with us. Paul Varelans, the Polar Bear, died two days ago at 51 years of age, from coronavirus. Many newer fans will not know his name, but once he was a fierce competitor in the early days of the UFC and fought in one of its first truly great fights.