1997 in Sports - Mixed Martial Arts

Mixed Martial Arts

The following is a list of major noteworthy MMA events during 1997 in chronological order.

Date Event Alternate Name/s Location Attendance PPV Buyrate Notes
February 7 UFC 12: Judgement Day Dothan, Alabama, US 3,100 UFC rule change, split main tournament into heavyweight (200lbs+) and lightweight (Under 200lbs) divisions. Eight-man tournament ceases. Introduction of titles. Superfights cease.
May 30 UFC 13: Ultimate Force Augusta, Georgia, US 5,100 Closed fisted strikes to the head were banned for this event only.
July 27 UFC 14: Showdown Birmingham, Alabama, US 5,000 UFC rule change, requires fighters to use 4-6 oz gloves.
October 11 Pride 1 Tokyo, Japan 47,860 Pride FC's first event.

The event featured one kickboxing bout between Branko Cikatić and Ralph White.

October 17 UFC 15: Collision Course Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, US UFC rule change, redefined permissible striking areas.
December 21 UFC Japan: Ultimate Japan UFC 15.5 Yokohama, Japan 5,000 This event featured the first appearance of longtime UFC announcer Mike Goldberg.

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Famous quotes containing the words mixed, martial and/or arts:

    Mrs. Finney: Can’t we have some peace in this house, even on New Year’s Eve?
    Sadie: You got it mixed up with Christmas. New Year’s Eve is when people go back to killing each other.
    Joseph L. Mankiewicz (1909–1993)

    Lie lightly on her, turf and dew:
    She put so little weight on you.
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    On every hand we observe a truly wise practice, in education, in morals, and in the arts of life, the embodied wisdom of many an ancient philosopher.
    Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)