Nick Diaz Eyes World Title After Mexico Rehab Triumph

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is the world's leading mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion company, founded in 1993 by Art Davie, Rorion Gracie, and Bob Meyrowitz. Initially conceived as an experimental event to determine the most effective martial art in real combat, the UFC has evolved into a global sports phenomenon. The first event, UFC 1, was held in Denver, Colorado, and featured a single-elimination tournament with minimal rules, won by Royce Gracie, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner[1][2][3]. ### History and Evolution In its early years, the UFC faced criticism for its brutality, leading to the introduction of stricter rules and safety measures. By the late 1990s, weight classes and prohibited techniques were implemented, and the Unified Rules of MMA were adopted around 2000, significantly enhancing the sport's legitimacy[2][4]. The UFC's financial struggles in the early 2000s were alleviated when the Fertitta brothers and Dana White purchased the company in 2001. Their leadership transformed the UFC into a mainstream success, notably through the reality TV show "The Ultimate Fighter," which aired in 2005[4]. ### Key Achievements and Current Status The UFC has made several strategic acquisitions, including Pride Fighting Championships in 2007 and Strikeforce in 2011, solidifying its position as the premier MMA promotion[1]. Today, the UFC operates across multiple continents, hosting events in various countries and featuring top fighters like Jon Jones and Georges St-Pierre. The organization has expanded to include 12 weight divisions for men and women, reflecting its growth and diversification[5]. ### Notable Aspects The UFC is recognized for its innovative approach to sports marketing and its ability to integrate technology into its events, enhancing fan engagement and broadcast quality. Its global reach and popularity have made it a significant player in the sports industry, attracting millions of fans

# Strikeforce: Mixed Martial Arts Organization **Strikeforce was an American mixed martial arts and kickboxing organization** that operated from 1985 to 2013, based in San Jose, California, under the leadership of CEO Scott Coker.[1] Originally founded as a kickboxing organization, Strikeforce expanded into mixed martial arts and held its first MMA event, *Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Gracie*, on March 10, 2006, at the HP Pavilion in San Jose.[1] This event was significant as California's first regulated MMA competition and set a North American record for MMA attendance with 18,265 spectators.[1] ## Broadcasting and Reach Strikeforce gained substantial media exposure through major broadcasting partnerships. Its live events aired on CBS, beginning November 7, 2009, and on Showtime in the United States.[1] The organization also secured international distribution through Super Channel in Canada, Primetime in the United Kingdom, SKY PerfecTV! in Japan, and HBO Plus in Brazil, among other networks.[1] ## Notable Fighters and Legacy The promotion featured several fighters who became major stars in combat sports, including **Nick Diaz, Daniel Cormier, Josh Barnett, Ronda Rousey, and Luke Rockhold**.[1] ## Decline and Dissolution Strikeforce's trajectory changed when Zuffa acquired the organization. Under new ownership, the promotion implemented significant rule changes, including reinstating elbow strikes and dissolving weight classes below lightweight.[1] After extending its Showtime contract through 2012, Strikeforce merged its heavyweight division into the UFC and ended its Challengers series.[1] The final Strikeforce event, *Strikeforce