MMA cage fighting is held in an eight sided cage that is reinforced with chain link material and padded heavily. This structure is (for obvious reasons) called the Octagon. This sport has seen tremendous growth in popularity over the last several years, and although the basic premise has remained the same, the rules, regulations, and conditions that govern what types of fight gear and apparel a fighter can wear during a match in the cage. The Octagon has become associated as a symbol that relates to the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) and the MMA as well. Fans can see MMA cage fighting regularly on TV, and it is featured in the national media fairly often. Since 1993 when the cage fighting first began, The Octagon has been a symbol of it.



The UFC is now known as the largest and most recognized MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) promotion worldwide. The company Zuffa, LLC owns the UFC and has its head quarters in Las Vegas, Nevada. The UFC began in the 1970s in Brazil and was based on the Brazilian fighting style that is known as tudo style. When it first began, however, it really was a no rules, no holds barred contest that absorbed a lot of protests from all over the world as being incredibly violent and inhumane. The criticism worked, as far as the protesters were concerned. The UFCs popularity diminished significantly, and at its lowest point, it reorganized and reformed, adapting strict rules that were sanctioned by athletic commissions, and was re marketed as a legitimate, safer, and more humane sporting event.

The attire that fighters wear for these kinds of competitions is regulated heavily. Only regulation gloves and regulation shorts are allowed. There are no shoes at all that are allowed. Any kind of shirts or pants are also not allowed, no matter what type they are. The reason for the gloves is that they help the fighters deliver stronger punches to the competitor, and they also protect fighters against injury at the same time when they are on the receiving end of a blow. Back when MMA cage fighting began in the 1970s, the attire was worn without regard to any rules, and the many fighters seemed to prefer either tight athletic shorts, boxer shorts, or tight wrestling suits and long pants. One of the most popular fighters of all time, tournament champion Royce Gracie would wear a jujitsu gi in his UFC appearances. The UFC and MMA after that point decided during their re organization phase in the early 1990s to regulate the attire for the MMA cage fighting, and the clothing and apparel then became very popular with fans of the mixed martial arts as well.