What role did boxer Muhammad Ali play in early MMA? Let 'Ali vs. Inoki' author Josh Gross explain (original) (raw)

Muhammad Ali is one of the most iconic and prominent figures in boxing history, but many combat-sports fans don’t understand the role he played in the birth of MMA.

Ali, who died earlier this month at age 74 due to a respiratory issue, was part of a pivotal yet now largely unknown chapter in combat-sports history. However, veteran MMA journalist Josh Gross examines the fight in his new book, “Ali vs. Inoki: The Forgotten Fight That Inspired Mixed Martial Arts and Launched Sports Entertainment,” which is slated for a June 21 release.

Ali, widely regarded as the greatest heavyweight in boxing history, fought Japanese professional wrestler/catch wrestler Antonio Inoki in mixed-rules bout back in 1976. As Gross pointed out during an interview with AXS TV’s “Inside MMA,” Ali took the fight during the peak of his popularity – just eight months after the “Thrilla in Manila” trilogy with Joe Frazier.

“He wasn’t the fighter that he used to be, but in terms of his world fame and renown, he was never bigger,” said Gross, a former Sherdog editor and Sports Illustrated/ESPN writer who now covers MMA for “The Guardian.” “For him to take the chance – I mean, he had the guts to step in a mixed fight with a wrestler. I can’t imagine a major boxing star today doing that with everything on the line.

“But Ali was a fighter in his heart. It didn’t matter who he was fighting – the U.S. government or an opponent in the ring. He took on all challenges, and he wanted to be the best fighter in the world and not just the best boxer, and I think that’s why he did that.”

Although similar cross-discipline fights had preceded it, Ali vs. Inoki brought the concept to the masses – at the time, anyway. Attention to the fight quickly dissipated, but years later, Gross came across a commemorative poster while in Japan covering an MMA event. He vowed he’d someday write the book on that 40-year-old fight, which ultimately ended in a draw.

During his research, Gross learned just how important it was – and its special place in MMA history.

“I don’t think people really have an understanding of how important this match was for mixed martial arts and pro wrestling,” Gross said. “And you can say, ‘OK, (it was in) Japan.’ But in Japan, it had huge influence. There’s no Pancrase without this match. There’s no PRIDE without this match. The UFC doesn’t buy PRIDE without this history.”

Check out the full interview above.

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