10 Crazy Facts About UFC 1
8. The Event Was Nearly Cancelled On The Eve Of The Show
UFC 1 successfully took place on 12 November 1993, but the event was in danger of completely collapsing as of 7pm on 11 November.
It was that time that officials and fighters got together for a pre-event meeting to iron out a few pieces of detail. Despite the event being just a day away, it had still not been fully explained to the fighters just what the rules were and how the tournament was going to be laid out. What's more, the relevant contracts and paperwork hadn’t even been signed.
It was here that UFC co-founders Rorion Gracie and Art Davie explained the bare basics of the rules – no eye gouges, no biting, and no nut shots – but ultimately only succeeded in confusing and angering the fighters.
Feeling that the rules had been designed to favour Royce Gracie and that officials still hadn’t been clear over what equipment could be worn, things began to get heated as the meeting reached boiling point and UFC 1 looked in serious doubt of even happening.
Thankfully, Hawaiian sumo wrestler Teila Tuli was there to calm things down. He explained that he’d come to "party" the following night, and that he hoped his fellow fighters would join him. Unfortunately for Tuli, his party ended with him getting his teeth knocked out by Gerard Gordeau.