In It to Win It: The Evolution of Fightwear in Mixed Martial Arts Combat Sports

Sanctioned, licensed mixed martial arts combat sports are some of the most popular events taking place around the world today with some organizations boasting their fight cards are available to view in over 150 countries and which can be seen by up to 2.7 billion people, live, as the action happens. Although everyone in every location where the event is being telecast may not be watching the contest, it is true that MMA has gone from a relatively unknown, untelevised, unsanctioned sport thirty-years ago to the global phenomenon it is today. Similar to all sports, MMA has changed significantly since its inception as it has grown in popularity, specifically with regard to the fightwear, or costumes, that are worn by mixed martial artists, especially those worn by fighters in the Ultimate Fighting Championship promotion since its formation in 1993. It was in the first UFC fight card where combatants could wear anything they wanted, including full dogi, or less, the choice of which dramatically altering the way combatants engaged with each other. Today, fightwear is regulated by the promotion and the sanctioning body, whether it be an individual state commission or a nation’s regulating body. However, due to a variety of rules intended to protect each fighter from unnecessary harm as well as the demands of the live and televised audience, among other demands, fighters participating in the sport of MMA are limited to what they can wear for the fight. The evolution of fight costumes is interesting as it not only demonstrates the utility of the attire but also the changing rules due to a variety of influences external to the fighter’s preference, not the least of which are the demands of the managers of the MMA organization, the governing commission and the fans.