Art Davie - UFC/MMA
Art Davie was an advertising executive and entrepreneur who became passionate about the idea of having practitioners of different martial arts compete after meeting Rorion Gracie. Together, they developed the concept of the 'War of the Worlds,' an eight-man tournament with no time limits and minimal rules. Davie secured funding, negotiated the pay-per-view television contract, and managed the logistics of the first event. Without his entrepreneurial skills, Rorion Gracie's vision would likely have remained just a dream.
Art Davie
Art Davie wrote a 28-page business plan titled 'War of the Worlds' that he presented to potential investors. This document convinced SEG (Semaphore Entertainment Group) to finance the first event, which took place on November 12, 1993, in Denver, Colorado, giving birth to the UFC.
Art Davie & Rorion Gracie
Rorion Gracie was Art Davie's partner in the creation of the UFC. While Davie provided the entrepreneurial and promotional expertise, Rorion brought the martial concept and vision to showcase the supremacy of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Rorion Gracie.
FAQ - Art Davie
Is Art Davie still involved with the UFC?
No, Davie left the UFC in its early stages, prior to Zuffa's acquisition in 2001. He continued to work in the combat sports world in various roles, but his main contribution remains the co-founding of the UFC.
How did the idea for the UFC come about?
The idea emerged when Art Davie watched videos of the Gracie Challenge, where the Gracie family challenged practitioners of other martial arts. Davie saw the commercial potential and proposed to Rorion Gracie to create a television event based on that concept.
