Pittsburgh MMA

03/20/2026

March 20, 1980 — The Birth of Mixed Martial Arts

Before it was called MMA… before the bright lights of the UFC… there was a vision.

On this day in 1980, the first modern mixed-style bout helped ignite a global movement that would become one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.

What was once misunderstood… even outlawed… is now celebrated on the biggest stages.

From underground beginnings to worldwide recognition — this is the legacy of those who dared to innovate.

46 years later… the fight continues.

02/24/2026

10,000 spectators last year 🔥 join us!! 📅 May 16-17 2026
📍Downtown Pittsburgh
💰 $1000 open weight grands
💪 Full scale expo
👉 10k spectators
🏆Open all styles, schools, groups
🇰🇷Korean forms
🇯🇵Japanese forms
🇨🇳 Chinese forms
🇺🇸 Open forms
👏 tag team sparring
🚩 flag sparring for kids
♿ para divisions
🤺LED saber divisions
♀️ffm2 sponsored
💪 army strong sponsored

🔗 https://www.mataction.com/PittsburghPowerOpen

🔗 https://www.kumiteclassic.com/pittsburgh-power-karate-tournament/



Kumite Classic

02/22/2026

02/21/2026

Gabby Viola in action... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCxgnhG4loE

Gabby Viola | Elite Sport Karate Champion 🇺🇸 | Team USA Athlete | Pittsburgh Gabby Viola is an elite sport karate competitor, WAKO National Ch...

11/07/2025

Bill Viola Jr. offers advice for setting and achieving goals in his book, “Common Sensei.”

11/04/2025

https://www.pittwire.pitt.edu/features-articles/2025/10/30/common-sensei-bill-viola-kumite-classic?fbclid=IwZnRzaAN2S-dleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHiJ6b3TGjDJngZKg3D9qJvwQpWft_zHPWjPXRjxStydlHjk2CL4oSKk-WmER_aem_bHjnAO9_YQcDrfQDtDOnaQ

Bill Viola Jr. offers advice for setting and achieving goals in his book, “Common Sensei.”

10/28/2025

03/20/2025

45 years ago, the sport of MMA made its debut in Pittsburgh

03/10/2025

MMA 1979-1983