Godfathers of MMA
Learn more about the founding father’s of American MMA (Bill Viola & Frank Caliguri) at the Heinz History Museum. A special exhibit will be on display in honor of the true pioneers of mixed martial arts in Pennsylvania and the United States.
Don’t be fooled by the hype… Pittsburgh hosted the first MMA league in America. Dubbed by the media as “organized legalized street fighting” promoters Bill Viola (Irwin, PA) & Frank Caliguri (New Kensingston, PA) developed the first organized league of MMA style championships in American History 1979-1981.
Pittsburgh MMA is Western Pennsylvania’s resource for the very best Full Contact Mixed Martial Arts (Freestyle Fighting, Vale tudo, No holds barred (NHB), Cage Fighting, Ultimate Fighting) information, events, fighters, and gyms: We feature the best in both ground and stand up Martial Arts: such as GI BJJ Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, NO GI Submission Grappling, Karate, Judo, Boxing, Kickboxing, Greco-Roman wrestling, shoot wrestling, catch wrestling, Sambo, Tae kwon do, Tang soo do, Kung fu, Thai Boxing, Muay Thai and all areas of combat. Serving The Greater Pittsburgh area including Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Washington, and Westmoreland counties.