7 Fights That Defined Mixed Martial Arts

7. Gracie Vs. Kimura (1951)

A fight surrounded by more mythology than any other on this list, much of the events surrounding this contest vary depending on who is asked, but the lasting outcome remains the same.

The Gracie family began teaching martial arts in Brazil in the 1920s after being taught in judo by Mitsuyo Maeda, a student of the founder of the art Jigoro Kano. Taking on all comers, the family attempted to establish itself as the foremost source for martial arts in the country.

To further display the effectiveness of their art, Helio Gracie challenged various competitors to test him - in this case travelling pro wrestler Mashahiko Kimura.

Taking place on 23 October 1951, the fight was contested under rules more similar to some modern forms of competition grappling, with the only way to win being forcing your opponent to submit. Kimura dominated the contest throughout, continually throwing the smaller Gracie, who fought valiantly before being caught in the judo armlock known as gyaku ude-garami. Gracie refused to tap and the fight wasn’t stopped until Carlos Gracie threw in the towel.

In honour of his victory, the move would be referred to as the Kimura amongst Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners thereafter, eventually being prominently utilised by another Japanese pro wrestler who would draw the ire of the Gracie family.