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A Brief History Of Combat - The Universal Reality Combat Championship 2002 - Beyond...

HISTORY

MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a full contact combat sport that allows a wide variety of fighting techniques, from a mixture of martial arts traditions and non-traditions, to be used in competitions. The rules allow the use of striking and grappling techniques, both while standing and on the ground. Such competitions allow martial artists of different backgrounds to compete. The term may also be used, less correctly, to describe hybrid martial arts styles.

Modern mixed martial arts competition emerged in American popular culture in 1993 with the founding of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Initially based on finding the most effective martial arts for real unarmed combat situations, competitors of various arts were pitted against one another with minimal rules for safety. In the following decade, MMA promoters adopted many additional rules aimed at increasing safety for competitors and to promote mainstream acceptance of the sport,. The name Mixed martial arts was coined by one of the developers of these rules Jeff Blatnick a former Greco-Roman wrestler and Olympic gold medalist. Following these changes, the sport has seen increased popularity with pay per view reach rivaling boxing and professional wrestling.

THE UNIVERSAL REALITY COMBAT CHAMPIONSHIP

November 21, 2002 saw the debut of a full-fledged mixed martial arts tournament in the Philippines with the Universal Reality Combat Championship opening its doors to 5,000 screaming fans. Since then the URCC has opened up a growing mixed martial arts industry in the Philippines and in the region. Recognized by the GAB ( Games and Amusement Board) in 2003 as a Sport with all the necessary papers and safeguards involved. This recognition propelled the industry to greater heights spawning smaller tournaments in and around the country.

CREDIBILITY

With the sport growing at a blistering pace worldwide, the MMA scene here in the Philippines got a shot in the arm when the likes of Ken Shamrock, Kimo, Royce Gracie visited and put on their own tournament platinum productions RING OF FIRE, it was the URCC who paved the way for this tournament assisting them with the license, and network connections - further strengthening the URCC's position locally and in the region. The presence of international events like Ring of Fire validates that Mixed Martial Arts is indeed growing fast in the Philippines. It is through the efforts of the URCC that MMA is gaining so much popularity in the country with international promotions now recognizing the Philippines as one of Asia's prime movers in MMA.

PRESENT

In the last two years, the URCC has rolled out several new blockbuster products, The University Challenge, URCC Cebu , and The Black Tie Brawl. The University Challenge is one of the most well attended amateur tournaments in Manila, with fighters from the college/ university level duking it out for school pride. Whereas the Cebu tournament brings legions of fans from the southern part of the Philippines - proving that the URCC has penetrated the farthest points of the country. The Black Tie Brawl is a Hotel event that caters to the A market, the dress code is strictly formal and gambling is allowed and sanctioned.

EVENTS

The URCC has six major activations in a calendar year, two main events in Manila, two Provincial events in Cebu, One University Challenge In Manila and as mentioned the Formal event - Black Tie Brawl.

MEDIA

The URCC gets full media coverage from Solar Sports and its affiliate channels, as well as free to air channels in the Philippines. Broad sheets and radio are also standard media values. Its online presence is also of note as the tournament is always written about by local bloggers and foreign aficionados.

THE FUTURE

Future plans for the URCC include several Core provincial tournaments in the north and south of the country. On December 27, 2008, URCC together with Colt 45 held the very first URCC event in Bacolod, another Visayan province fast becoming an MMA stronghold in the region. An expanded presence in Guam and the Northern Marianas, and possible partnerships with MMA producers in HK, Macau, Taiwan, Malaysia and other South East Asian Countries. Talks are also underway in bringing the URCC to Hawaii, the promotion's very first international event held in North America!

The Re-branding possibilities of the URCC are what the founders feel will give the tournament an easy migration to different parts of the region. Having perfected the production and roll out of fighters it is easier now for the URCC to hop, skip and jump around the region with the right partners.

Enjoying the support of COLT 45 beer the URCC and MMA are reaping the rewards of the aggressive promotions of its giant corporate sponsor ASIA BREWERY Incorporated. The Beverage Behemoth has signed to be URCC's presenter for an indefinite period of time. Asia Brewery is owned by Tai Pan - Lucio Tan ,one of the richest men in Asia.