Pioneers of MMA

Ken Wayne Shamrock ran away from a nightmare childhood to the neon lights of Japan’s pro-wrestling and Pancrase circuit. There, he learned the showmanship, striking and leglocks which would eventually make him one of the original superstars of an emerging sport, mixed martial arts. Featuring exclusive interviews and rare footage, this FIGHT PASS Original is the definitive retrospective of the iconic UFC Hall of Famer.

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. Featuring exclusive interviews with Gracie and some of his most famous students – including Matt Serra, Chris Weidman and Frankie Edgar - plus rare archival footage, this FIGHT PASS original program is the definitive retrospective of a true MMA innovator.

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. Featuring exclusive, in-depth interviews with both Hughes and mentor/coach Pat Miletich and rare archival footage, this feature length episode of Pioneers of MMA is the ultimate retrospective on Hughes’ remarkable career.

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. The Iowa born brawler was the UFC 16 tournament winner and inaugural UFC welterweight world champion – achievements that put him into the UFC Hall of Fame – but it is possible he achieved even more as a coach. Featuring interviews with those who know the legend best – from his high school wrestling coach to protégé Matt Hughes – this FIGHT PASS Original is the definitive retrospective

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. Featuring exclusive interviews and rare footage, this FIGHT PASS Original is the definitive retrospective of “The Iceman.”

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.

The first man to hold both the PRIDE FC and UFC heavyweight championship, Antonio Minotauro Nogueira is arguably the best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner in heavyweight history. One half of the infamous Nogueira Brothers, "Big Nog" went on to display Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as not only a defensive art, but an offensive means to victory by becoming the first man to capture the PRIDE FC heavyweight championship. With his memorable homecoming victory at UFC 134 along with many other caps on his career, this UFC FIGHT PASS original is the definitive retrospective on "Big Nog," Antonio Minotauro Nogueria.

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. He features in the this edition of Pioneers of MMA.

At just 19 years old, Vitor "The Phenom" Belfort made his UFC debut, and impressed from the beginning. He went on to capture the UFC heavyweight tournament title and UFC light heavyweight championship and is still a top ranked middleweight, 19 years after making his UFC debut.