UFC 1 to get documentary treatment from SI Films for late 2019
Nostalgia will be in the air for fight fans this fall.
A feature-length documentary on UFC 1, entitled UFC 1: Origin of the Octagon, is in the works by Emmy-winning production company SI Films for late 2019.
Directed by John Mason Gordon, the film will feature interviews from numerous individuals key in the creation and implementation of the UFC’s inaugural event, including Jim Brown, Royce Gracie, Ken Shamrock, Teila Tuli, Art Jimmerson, Gerard Gordeau, and more.
“The origin stories of sports are often obscured behind layers of time and legend,” Gordon said Tuesday in a statement.
“We are thrilled to work with Sports Illustrated in telling the largely unknown stories of the creators, fighters, and executives who put everything on the line with success so unlikely. That it’s the origin of the UFC, a brand almost everyone knows, makes it an incredibly exciting documentary opportunity.”
UFC 1 took place Nov. 12, 1993, in Denver, Colorado, and marked the first mixed martial arts event to ever air live in North America on pay-per-view.
The iconic event featured a one-night, eight-man tournament that saw Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Royce Gracie win bouts against Jimmerson, Shamrock, and Gordeau via submission in a combined 4:55 of fight time.
The documentary, UFC 1: Origin of the Octagon, will debut on streaming service SI TV. A release date has yet to be announced.