Universal Fighting Arts Organization

The Universal Fighting Arts Organization (UFO) is a Japan-based mixed martial arts (MMA) organization.

In 1977, Antonio Inoki already had the idea of the World Martial Arts Association (then known as WMA) during the series of the mixed martial arts matches. Satoru Sayama came up with the open glove with which the fighter can use his fingers, trained at the Mejiro Gym for kickboxing, and fought Mark Costello.

Since then, the idea seemed to be forgotten as Inoki's series of the mixed matches were over. However, after Naoya Ogawa, former world judo champion, became a professional fighter, the relationship between Inoki and Sayama was revived. The idea received the attention after 20 years of the blank.

The World Martial Arts Association changed from WMA to the UFO, and Inoki started the new steps to pursue the fighting arts.

However, UFO is no longer in the business since 2002 after the Tokyo Dome show, and Satoru Sayama and Naoya Ogawa departed from Inoki.

Rules and regulations

Ring Size

Rectangular 6m (20ft), 3 to 4 ropes, UFO official hard mat (no springs).

Decisions

*KO: Fighter unable to stand or get into fighting stance.
*Referee Stop: Referee can stop a fight when he feels the fighter cannot continue.
*Doctor Stop: The ringside physician can stop a fight when he decides that a fighter cannot continue.
*Give Up: Fighter decides he cannot continue. He can tap out or tell the referee.

Illegal attacks

The only prohibited attacks in UFO are attacks the groin, spinal cord, or eyes; elbows to the head or face; and finger submissions. All varieties of throws are allowed.

Breaks

If half of a fighter's body is outside the ropes, or if the referee feels the fighters cannot release a hold on their own, he will order the fighters return to the "fighting stance."

Fouls

Fighters may not attack their opponents when they are down and being checked by the referee. Failure to abide by match rules will result in a foul warning by the referee; ignoring these warnings may result in a disqualification.

pecial kick rules

Kickboxing rules may be used in certain time-dependent matches.

External links

* [http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?organization_id=113 UFO event results at sherdog]