Tim Bissell is a writer, editor and deputy site manager for Bloody Elbow. He has covered combat sports since 2015. Tim covers news and events and has also written longform and investigative pieces. (full bio)
UFC 1: The Beginning went down on November 12, 1993 at the McNichols Sports Arena in Denver, CO. The event, the brainchild of Rorion Gracie and Art Davie, was one by jiu jitsu ace Royce Gracie. He beat out a field of fellow specialists that included boxer Art Jimmeson and shootfighter Ken Shamrock.
The initial tournament also included fighters from the world of sumo, savate, kenpo, kickboxing and taekwondo.