## Organization Overview The term "MMA" in the context of a major organization most commonly refers to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), which is the world’s premier professional mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion[1][5]. The UFC is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, and is recognized for staging high-profile MMA events that attract global audiences, including substantial pay-per-view viewership[1]. While "MMA" itself is a sport, the UFC is the organization that has defined, commercialized, and popularized modern MMA on a global scale[1][5]. ## What the Organization Does The UFC organizes and promotes MMA fights in a distinctive octagonal cage known as "The Octagon," featuring athletes from diverse combat backgrounds—boxing, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, and more[1][3]. It enforces the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts, which govern match structure, scoring, and fighter safety[5]. The UFC also produces "The Ultimate Fighter," a reality TV series that scouts and develops new talent, further embedding MMA into mainstream culture[1]. The organization operates across nine weight divisions and hosts events worldwide, making it a dominant force in the combat sports industry[5]. ## History and Evolution The UFC was founded in 1993, inspired by the Gracie family’s mission to demonstrate the effectiveness of Brazilian jiu-jitsu in no-holds-barred competition[1][6]. Early events were controversial due to minimal rules, but the organization quickly adopted stricter regulations to improve safety and legitimacy[2][6]. The UFC’s rise paralleled the broader acceptance of MMA, which itself has roots in ancient combat sports and 20th-century inter-style contests in Japan and Brazil[2][3]. By the early 2000s, the UFC had become synonymous with MMA, driving the sport’s explosive growth and transforming it into a mainstream phenomenon[1][5]. ## Key Achievements The