MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) has become a huge global phenomenon over a short space of time.

1. Throughout the ages, different styles of martial arts, boxing and wrestling have competed against each other to see which style is best. Unarmed combat sports were common place in Roman times and in ancient Greece and Egypt, so MMA is certainly not a new sport!

2. MMA today combines aspects of various martial arts. Rather than fighters being highly proficient in just one martial art, MMA fighters need to know several to be an effective fighter. A successful MMA fighter will need to be able to punch and block using boxing techniques, grapple like a wrestler and perform submission moves like a judo player.

3. Depending on an MMA fighter's background and skills, s/he may need to learn additional skills in order to be successful against any type of opponent. A fighter from a Jiu Jitsu background will struggle against a boxer if s/he can't take the boxer to the ground where the Jiu Jitu fighter can utilise their floor and submission skills. Similarly, a boxer, or someone with a Thai boxing or Karate background will not want to be taken to the ground.

4. An MMA fighter with good wrestling and submission skills will often look to take his/her opponent to the floor. An upright fighter will use kicks, blocks and punches to keep his/her opponent from getting close enough to force them to the floor. Each fighter will fight to his/her strengths, and will try and stop their opponent from fighting to their strengths.

5. As a result of this, MMA fighters will learn skills and techniques from other martial arts. This allows them to carry on fighting even if they are out of their comfort zone. MMA fighters need to know aspects of many martial arts to be successful. Bruce Lee pioneered combining elements of different martial arts to adapt to any style, depending on the opponent.

6. MMA has helped martial arts evolve in terms of training, fitness and effectiveness. Previously less popular or relatively unknown fighting styles have become more popular thanks to their success in MMA competitions. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) are two of the most effective all round martial arts, and are part of the training regime for many MMA fighters.Reddit MMA Streams

7. Improved rules and regulations has seen the reputation of MMA improve from what was perceived as "street fighting" or "fight to the death" contests to proper organised events.

8. MMA fighters are not allowed to strike to the groin, gouge eyes, or strike an unconscious opponent for example. Each country and federation has its own rules, but overall, the rules are there to protect the fighters. Some rules are designed to make the fight more appealing fro spectators, and encourage the fighters to fight rather than shy away from each other.

9. MMA was considered as a new addition for the 2004 Olympics under the banner Pankration, which was the ancient Greek name for a combined wrestling and boxing style of unarmed combat. However, due to a vast number of new sports suggested, there were no new sports introduced to make it fair for all concerned.

10. The UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) was founded in 1993 to find the most effective martial art for real unarmed combat situations. The different competitions and weight categories have seen some amazing fights and champions. UFC has become so popular that some MMA events have brought in Pay Per View viewers and revenue that rival boxing and football.

Know you know more about it, why not try MMA for yourself and see what all the fuss is about?