7 Fights That Defined Mixed Martial Arts
6. Tuli Vs. Gordeau (1993)
Unlike the honourable combative atmosphere displayed in Japan, the first glance the United States would get of the fledgling sport of MMA was decidedly less sporting with the no-holds-barred spectacle that was UFC 1.
Created by Art Davie and Rorion Gracie, and taking place on 12 November 1993, the event aimed to bring eight competitors of various martial arts together to find out which would reign supreme in a one night tournament. Unlike the embryonic form of MMA seen in Japan, this event would have only two rules: No biting and no eye-gouging. The first bout of the bracket would see a match-up fitting of the freak-show nature of the event, with 175lb Dutch kickboxer Gerard Gordeau facing up against 440lb sumo wrestler Teila Tuli.
The first of many David vs Goliath matchups that have taken place throughout MMA history, the precedent was set that night that a skilled lighter fighter can often get the better of his larger opponent. Less than half a minute into the fight and following a flurry of punches and a devastating kick to the head, the gargantuan sumo was left toothless and concussed against the cage, and the brutal reality of early no holds barred fighting became apparent to all watching.