The Early Days Of No Rules

The Most Dangerous and Illegal Moves in UFC History

The Early Days of No Rules

UFC 1: "There Are No Rules"

In 1993, UFC 1 debuted with the infamous tagline, "There are no rules." While that may have been the promotional pitch, certain moves were indeed illegal, such as biting and eye-gouging.

The Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts

Regulating the Chaos

As MMA evolved, so did the need for standardized rules and regulations. The Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts (URMMA) were established, outlining a list of prohibited techniques that included headbutts, groin strikes lasting more than five minutes, and intentional eye gouges.

Consequences of Illegal Moves

Referee Intervention and Penalties

If a fighter performs an illegal move during a UFC fight, the referee has the authority to intervene and take appropriate action. Depending on the severity of the offense, penalties can range from point deductions to disqualifications.

Notable Illegal Moves in UFC History

Throughout the years, several controversial and illegal moves have made headlines in the UFC. Some of the most infamous include:

Jon Jones' oblique kick on Daniel Cormier at UFC 214

Matt Hughes' knee-on-face strike on Georges St-Pierre at UFC 116

Nate Diaz's illegal knee on Jorge Masvidal at UFC 244

Exploring Illegal Moves in MMA Documentaries

To delve deeper into the fascinating and often controversial world of illegal moves in MMA, there are several documentaries available:

The Hurt Business (2015) - Explores the history and evolution of MMA, including illegal moves

Fight Sport (2019) - Features interviews with fighters, coaches, and referees on the topic of illegal techniques

The King of the Cage (2009) - Highlights some of the most notorious illegal moves in MMA history