Pioneers of MMA (2015 - 2015)

Considered by UFC President Dana White to be one of the greatest talents of all time, the legend of Kazushi Sakuraba began at UFC Ultimate Japan in 1997, where the 183lbs puroresu (traditional Japanese pro-wrestler) entered the heavyweight tournament on short notice only to win the four man event outright. Fighting almost exclusively in Japan and the PRIDE FC organization, “Saku” became a national icon by defeating six UFC champions and routing the legendary Gracie family. Featuring exclusive interviews and rare archival footage, this FIGHT PASS Original is the definitive retrospective of Sakuraba, Japan’s most celebrated mixed martial artist.

Considered by some to be the most complete mixed martial artist the legendary Gracie family ever produced, Renzo Gracie defeated five UFC champions during a career which straddled the no-holds barred and modern MMA eras.

Unquestionably one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, two-time UFC welterweight world champion Matt Hughes blazed his way through the UFC 170lbs division in the early 2000s. Attributing his freakish physical strength and intimating will to win on his rural upbringing, Hughes defeated a who’s who of his era en route to the UFC Hall of Fame.

Long before anyone understood what mixed martial arts was, Pat Miletich was combining karate, kickboxing, boxing, wrestling and submissions into what was perhaps the sport’s first truly well-rounded fighting style.

UFC Hall of Famer Sebastiaan “Bas” Rutten is a true MMA pioneer. A kickboxer who was recruited to compete in the original Pancrase event in September 1993, the Dutchman not only became perhaps the biggest star in Pancrase history but also capped off his career by switching to the Octagon and winning the UFC heavyweight title.

A thrilling fighter with thunderous power in both fists, Chuck Liddell was the UFC’s breakout superstar during the boom period of 2005 - 2008. Cool and laidback outside of the Octagon, “The Iceman” set the UFC on fire with his furious intensity during his reign of terror over the light heavyweight division. To his legions of fans around the world, Liddell remains the face – and the Mohawk – of mixed martial arts.

Few fighters in mixed martial arts history have captured the imagination quite like UFC Hall of Famer ‘Baby’ Jay Dee Penn. A supremely talented “Prodigy” who truly sought out the very best competition, BJ Penn is one of only two men to win UFC titles in two weight division and his run as the UFC lightweight king was a reign of terror over the 155lbs class. Featuring exclusive interviews and rare archival footage, this is the definitive retrospective of a charismatic and enigmatic once in a generation talent.

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, often known as “Minotauro,” is a prominent figure in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). His career highlights include being a former Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion, showcasing his skill and determination in one of the toughest sports.

Traveling to the USSR to represent America in an amateur wrestling tournament, Dan Severn went on to become one of the leading Pioneers of MMA, bringing wrestling to the forefront of success.

Vitor Belfort became a pioneer in MMA because of his ability to knock people out in dramatic fashion despite being known as an elite Jiu-jitsu artist.