Plaque

Object number2010.100.4

Date2010

OriginVandergrift, PA

Mediumplastic; wood

Credit LineGift of Mike Murray

DescriptionGreen plastic informational sign mounted on a brown wooden plaque. The print on the sign tells the story of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and its roots in Pittsburgh. Background consists of Asian letters in white. Gold metallic sticker on lower back side.Dimensions9 x 0.625 x 12 in. (22.9 x 1.6 x 30.5 cm)
InscriptionsTitle reads “Pittsburgh is the Birthplace of MMA”.

The printed text on the sign tells the story of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and its roots in Pittsburgh. Background consists of Asian letters in white.
MarksGold metallic sticker on lower back side has text "Tees-n-Tops / SCREENPRINTING EMBROIDERY / PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS / 129 GRANT AVE./ VANDERGRIFT, PA 15690 / [web address] / [phone numbers]".
Historical NotesPart of a collection related to the founding of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Donor Mike Murray participated in the first MMA bout, held in New Kensington, Pennsylvania. Though billed as a "Battle of the Tough Guys," the March 1980 event featured the mix of boxing, wrestling, and martial arts fighting that is today considered mixed martial arts. Murray, a car salesman from Arnold, Pennsylvania, competed in the first bout of the lightweight division. The bigger fighter, Dave Jones, a kickboxing student, battered Murray and the fight ended in the third round.

Related person David Jones

Related person Frank Caliguri

Related person Muhammad Ali (1942 - 2016)

Related person Bruce Lee (Chinese, 1940 - 1973)

Related person Bruno Leopoldo Francesco Sammartino (1935 - 2018)

Related person Bill Viola Jr.

Related institution Ultimate Fighting Championship

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