The Ultimate UFC Fact by Active Mile

With UFC becoming increasingly popular in the UAE and with some of the most exciting fights coming to this country in the coming months, we’re adding to the hype by bringing you some of the coolest UFC facts around. 

1.   The famous octogen design was inspired by Chuck Norris

Art director Jason Cusson is the designer behind the famous UFC platform, who was inspired by a lesser-known movie called ‘The Octagon’.  The plot saw Chuck Norris play a retired kickboxer. This was Cusson’s inspiration for the design. 

2.   Dubai owns 10% of the UFC

Flash Entertainment a UAE based company is currently supported by UFC president Dana White in its share of the UFC, of which Dubai owns 10%.

3.   UFC will be there for you

Famous UFC fighter Tank Abbott, known as a biker and brawler before becoming one of the most revered fighters in UFC, had a small part in Friends where he beat up Monica’s millionaire boyfriend in the ring. 

4.   All that glitters isn’t…

THE UFC championship belt is actually made from real gold. It weighs 12 pounds and was valued at $330,000 dollars in 2010.

5.   The whole tooth 

Fighter Gerard Gordeau once landed a kick on Hawaiian fighter Telia Tuli. The kick was so hard that Gordeau knocked some of Tuli’s teeth out which flew into the audience, and one embedded itself in Gordeau’s foot.  Gordeau had two more fights that evening, it was decided by the in-house doctors to keep the tooth in Gordeau’s foot until the end of the night.

6.   Bouncing into MMA

Cain Velasquez now is a famous MMA fighter.  But when he was first trying to break into the sport, he had a part time job as a bouncer to pay the bills. 

7.   Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

Igor Vovchanch is old school UFC.  Known for his vicious punching and his willingness to take on anyone, he also holds the honour of having the longest winning streak, with 32 straight wins.

8.   Monson the Councilor

Jeff Monson is a no nonsense, well known fighter in the world of MMA.  But did you know he also holds a Master’s degree in psychology? Working in the fields of crisis management and child counseling. 

9.   SNAP!

When designs were being floated around before the famous octagon design was decided upon, some crazy ideas were thrown into the ring.  The consideration of having a moat around the ring complete with alligators was one of the many ideas!

10.  It’s a Knockout!

Brazilian fighter Vitor Beltford holds the record for the most UFC knockouts with a staggering 12!