In November 1993, the UFC began with an eight-man tournament designed to determine the most effective style of combat in the world. By winning three fights in one night, Royce Gracie introduced the power of jiu-jitsu to the world and laid the foundation for something bigger than he’d ever imagined.
Today, the UFC features fighters well versed in all disciplines of martial arts. Though many fighters still have certain aspects that they are stronger in—as is the case with most athletes in other sports—the competitors now understand the importance of being able to attack and defend from all positions.
Because some of the best athletes in the sport today were not extraordinarily great in one disciple before debuting in MMA, they may have been left out of the fold if the UFC began today. However, multiple current champions would still be called upon to represent their base discipline.
If UFC 1 were to take place this weekend, here are eight current fighters who would most likely represent the various aspects of MMA.