Tag: Art Jimmerson

Art Jimmerson, UFC 1 pioneer and professional boxer, dead at 60

Pro boxer Art “One Glove” Jimmerson, who fought Royce Gracie at UFC 1, has died, his family announced.

UFC pioneer and former professional boxer [autotag]Art Jimmerson[/autotag] died Wednesday at 60, his family announced.

Jimmerson’s daughter confirmed his death to ESPN, and his son, Christian Jimmerson, also announced the news on social media.

Dear Friends and Family, it is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Art Jimmerson,” Christian wrote. “Art was known for his love of God, family, and boxing. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A funeral service to celebrate Art’s life will be announced. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. Please keep Art and his family in your thoughts and prayers.”

Jimmerson competed at UFC 1 in 1993, leaving a lasting memory as the only fighter to compete in the octagon wearing one boxing glove. As a result, he earned the nickname “One Glove” following his one and only UFC bout, which was against UFC Hall of Famer Royce Gracie in the UFC 1 quarterfinals.

“One Glove” intended to use his gloved hand to work his jab and set up his power punches with the bare right hand in the fight against Gracie. Furthermore, Jimmerson wanted to protect his hand for an upcoming boxing match a few months later.

Jimmerson lost the bout by submission to the Brazilian jiu-jitsu legend, but he became an unforgettable figure of the early days of the UFC due to his unique approach in his lone MMA appearance. Although he initially struggled to deal with the jokes that followed, he embraced his new nickname over time.

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As a pro boxer, Jimmerson’s record was 33-18, including 17 knockout victories, from 1985-2002. He brought a 15-fight boxing winning streak with him into his one UFC appearance in November 1993, and then returned to the ring two months later following the submission loss to Gracie.

Following his combat sports career as a fighter, Jimmerson passed on his knowledge of the sweet science as he became a personal boxing trainer and taught at UFC GYM in Torrance, Calif.

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The event that started it all: Watch UFC 1 in its entirety – 30 years later

UFC fights looked a lot different at the promotion’s conception in 1993.

UFC 295 marked the 30th anniversary of the promotion.

Over three decades, the UFC – and the sport of MMA as a whole – has evolved tremendously. If evidence is needed, go back and watch the promotion’s first event ever – which is now available in full, for free.

UFC 1 took place Nov. 12, 1993, at McNichols Sports Arena in Denver with a reported 7,800 fans in attendance. The one-night tournament-style fight card filled with openweight matchups featured eight fights. [autotag]Royce Gracie[/autotag] defeated [autotag]Gerard Gordeau[/autotag] to win the tournament championship.

Relive the full fight card in the video above. Tournament participants include Gracie, Gordeau, [autotag]Ken Shamrock[/autotag], [autotag]Kevin Rosier[/autotag], [autotag]Art Jimmerson[/autotag], [autotag]Zane Frazier[/autotag], and [autotag]Teila Tuli[/autotag].

The six living UFC 1 tournament participants recently reunited for dinner and the filming of a segment called Fighters of the Roundtable. Watch that reunion here.

Video: UFC 1 competitors reunite for dinner 30 years later

The six remaining living UFC 1 tournament members reunited for a 30th anniversary dinner to reflect on their pioneering night in 1993.

It was a reunion 30 years in the making.

The UFC celebrates its 30th anniversary Nov. 12 and the promotion recently organized a get-together for the six remaining living tournament participants.

The six pioneers met over dinner at an undisclosed location and shared drinks, food, laughs, and memories. The gathering was recorded and released in a video segment published Saturday entitled “Fighter of the Roundtable.”

On hand were [autotag]Gerard Gordeau[/autotag] and Taylor Wily (known as [autotag]Teila Tuli[/autotag] during his fighting days), the two fighters from the first-ever UFC bout. UFC Hall of Famers [autotag]Ken Shamrock[/autotag] and [autotag]Royce Gracie[/autotag] were also on hand, as were [autotag]Art Jimmerson[/autotag] and [autotag]Zane Frazier[/autotag].

UFC 1 took place Nov. 12, 1993 at McNichols Sports Arena. The tournament-style competition was won by Gracie, who defeated Jimmerson, Shamrock, and Gordeau all the in the same night.

Absent from the meal were the late [autotag]Kevin Rosier[/autotag] and [autotag]Patrick Smith[/autotag], who died in 2015 and 2019 respectively. An in memoriam graphic dedicated to the two deceased pioneers ran prior to the video’s closing credits.

Check out the full 42-minute production of the UFC 1 reunion dinner in the video above.