Combat sports icon Art Jimmerson recently passed away at the age of 61. He left behind a legacy along with a peculiar moment in mixed martial arts history.
The sight of him stepping into the Octagon with one boxing glove against Royce Gracie at UFC 1 remains etched in the memory of combat sports fans worldwide.
At first glance, Jimmerson’s decision seemed rooted in his boxing career. Riding a 15-bout win streak, the Missouri native was cautious of jeopardizing his hand. Hence, he opted for a single glove. He wanted to use his jabbing hand for offense while leaving the other hand bare for defensive maneuvers.
But if you look deeper into the narrative, UFC co-founder Campbell McLaren tells a different story. McLaren recounts a pivotal conversation between Jimmerson and referee John McCarthy. The latter emphasized the grappling threat posed by opponents like Gracie.
Subsequently, Jimmerson’s anxiety surged. This prompted him to adopt the one-glove strategy. Allegedly, the professional boxer wore one glove as a consequence to make sure the referee could see him tap out and save a broken arm.
November 12, 1993, marked a historic juncture in combat sports as UFC 1 took place at the McNichols Sports Arena. This event marked the genesis of modern mixed martial arts, featuring a diverse pool of competitors representing various disciplines.
The clash between Gracie’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills and Jimmerson’s boxing acumen captivated audiences. But Jimmerson succumbed to Gracie’s expertise, enduring a first-round submission defeat.
Following his defeat against Gracie, Jimmerson bid goodbye to the UFC. But he continued his journey in professional boxing. He had a respectable record of 33-18 before retiring in 2002.
Despite his departure from MMA, Jimmerson is considered to be a pioneer who paved the path for the present generation. His legacy in combat sport will continue to inspire generations of contenders worldwide.