Muhammad Ali started MMA
The story of Muhammad Ali鈥檚 controversial fight against professional wrestler Antonio Inoki in Tokyo in 1976. It's now considered by many as the origin of MMA mixed martial arts.
In June 1976, Muhammad Ali was the heavyweight boxing champion of the world. Ali travelled to Tokyo, Japan to face his next opponent, the professional wrestler Antonio Inoki.
In a first of its kind, the exhibition fight called 鈥淭he War of the Worlds鈥� was met with controversy because of the rules applied.
Ringside Photographer Claude Charlier tells Sean Allsop how the fight unfolded in a packed Budokan Hall and how many now consider this fight the origin of MMA Mixed Martial Arts.
(Photo: Muhammad Ali stands over Antonio Inoki, 1976. Credit: Claude Charlier)
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Sporting Witness
Personal stories of amazing moments from sporting history told by people who were there
