UFC: 25 Years In Short (2018)

In 1993, the UFC was born in an 8-sided cradle of combat, and promoters, TV producers, and Hollywood set designers still dispute who is the Octagon’s true creator.

In 1994, Ken Shamrock assembled the first ever MMA team, the Lion’s Den, and showed that success in the ultimate individual sport was a team effort.

In 1995, the first UFC championship belt was made for the Gracie vs Shamrock Superfight, which ended in a draw, so nobody won the belt, and it was lost for decades.

In 1996, a political crusade to ban ultimate fighting successfully pressured the cable TV industry to stop airing UFC events, nearly extinguishing the new sport.

In 1997, UFC 12 was to take place in Buffalo, but a day prior, New York state changed its laws to effectively ban MMA. UFC 12 needed a new home, in a new state, on 24 hours notice.

In 1998, Chuck Liddell made his Octagon debut, and began an unlikely rise for a down-to-earth man who would become the UFC's first breakout superstar.

In 1999, Matt Hughes launched a legendary career, but it was after hanging up his gloves, that he faced the toughest fight of his life.

In 2000, casino owner Donald Trump offered a lifeline to the struggling UFC and began holding events at the famed Taj Mahal in Atlantic City.

In 2001, the Fertitta brothers bought the failing UFC and installed Dana White as its president, setting the stage for the three friends to revolutionize combat sports forever.

In 2002, renowned Hollywood photographer Kevin Lynch began a project with the UFC vividly re-framing the public perception of what it means to be a UFC fighter.

In 2003, UFC President Dana White entered Chuck Liddell into PRIDE FC’s Middleweight Grand Prix tournament, with hopes of winning the larger battle for MMA world supremacy.

In 2004, Georges St-Pierre debuted in the Octagon and began one of the most dominant runs in UFC history - an unlikely path for a victim of childhood bullying.

In 2005, The Ultimate Fighter reality series saved the UFC from failure, and 13 years later, the inaugural cast reunited for an extraordinary event, to break bread and bust b@lls.

In 2006, Arianny Celeste began her run as a UFC Octagon Girl, becoming the most famous ever to carry a round, and transforming the role from event eye-candy to brand icon.

In 2007, Forrest Griffin, the original Ultimate Fighter, scored an upset victory that elevated him from reality TV star to true championship contender, one of many chapters he authored in the UFC history books.

In 2008, the UFC held the first of many live events that raised millions of dollars for military causes, deepening the bond between the MMA organization and the U.S. Armed Forces.

In 2009, Daniel Cormier made his mixed martial arts debut and began one of the most storied careers in the sport's history.

In 2010, the UFC production team built an arena in the desert for one night of fights, exemplifying their bold approach and commitment to creating an unmatched live event experience.

In 2011, the UFC changed their tactics in the long battle to legalize mixed martial arts in New York state, and finally started to turn the tide.

In 2012, UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos made an unlikely friend and took him on the journey of a lifetime.

In 2013, women fought in the UFC Octagon for the first time and, led by Ronda Rousey, launched a revolution in combat sports.

In 2014, Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier ignited their intense feud, leading to a pair of the UFC's most successful Pay-Per-View events, and confirming the notion that "Bad Blood" sells.

In 2015, the UFC partnered with the United States Anti-Doping Agency on a groundbreaking program to combat the use of performance enhancing drugs.

In 2016, Hollywood talent agency Endeavor, led by Ari Emanuel, purchased the UFC for $4 billion in the largest transaction in sports history.

In 2017, Conor McGregor showed his transcendent star power by turning an inconceivable idea into an irresistible event that defied all expectations and captured imaginations around the world.