MMA has experienced a growth over the years that has been meteoric. The sport reached such a fever pitch, that the UFC was able to sell for over $4 billion. Whether you are new or even an old fan, it’s hard to believe mixed martial arts once struggled to try and get on pay-per-view. The UFC started in 1993 and the media was quick to hold up fingers in the shapes of crosses and declare the brutal bloodsport an exercise in barbarism.<\/p>\n
Back in the 90’s, MMA was banned in many places and states, which resulted in unsanctioned fights happening underground. MMA wasn’t even legal in New York until 2016. Yet, way before that and even 10 years before the UFC’s first event, two guys named Bill Viola and Frank Caliguri were trying to make MMA happen. You’ll finally be able to hear their story in a new documentary coming to Showtime.<\/p>\n
\n@JESnowden<\/a> deal is done. #toughguys<\/a> coming to showtime riding the momentum of #maymac<\/a> new edition of my book to coincide. #godfathersofmma<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/PLhBDJ3yeE<\/a><\/p>\n
— Bill Viola Jr. (@kumiteclassic) August 29, 2017<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n