Sherdog’s Top 10Sherdog’s Top 10: Greatest Moments in UFC History
No. 3
3. Gracie Rules UFC 1
Much has been made about the skinny Brazilian in a gi, but Royce Gracie’s triumph at UFC 1 remains one of the monumental moments in combat sports history. His magnificence in the eight-man tournament on Nov. 12, 1993, opened the floodgates for Brazilian jiu-jitsu -- and inevitably mixed martial arts -- across America. He defeated Art Jimmerson, Ken Shamrock and Gerard Gordeau, all by submission, in a combined 4:59.
Gracie proved pure technique could be superior to pure strength at a time when most people had never heard of armbars, triangle chokes and heel hooks. He was not much of a striker, but his dominance on the mat forced most other no-holds-barred competitors to evolve or risk getting left behind. Gracie went on to win three of the first four UFC tournaments and remains one of MMA’s most revered figures to this day.
Number 2 » Zuffa Buys the UFC
More Top 10s
