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Pittsburgh MMA Mixed Martial Arts Events

MMA History


The history of modern mixed martial arts (MMA) is a fascinating journey that spans continents, cultures, and centuries. While the origins of MMA can be traced back to ancient civilizations where various forms of unarmed combat were practiced, the modern iteration of the sport began to take shape in the late 20th century.

Here’s a brief overview of the key milestones in the history of modern MMA:

  1. Bruce Lee and Jeet Kune Do (1960s-1970s): Bruce Lee, a martial arts icon, advocated for the concept of “Jeet Kune Do,” which emphasized the use of techniques from multiple martial arts styles in combat. Lee’s philosophy laid the groundwork for the idea of cross-training and blending different martial arts disciplines.
  2. Vale Tudo and Shootfighting (1970s-1980s): In Brazil and Japan, practitioners of various martial arts styles began to experiment with no-holds-barred competitions known as Vale Tudo (meaning “anything goes”) and Shootfighting. These early events featured fighters from different backgrounds competing under minimal rules, laying the foundation for modern MMA.
  3. Tough Guy Contest (1979-1983): In Pennsylvania, USA, Bill Viola Sr. and Frank Caliguri organized the Tough Guy Contest, which allowed fighters from different martial arts backgrounds to compete in mixed-rules matches. Despite facing legal challenges and controversy, the Tough Guy Contest is considered one of the earliest forms of organized MMA in the United States.
  4. Gracie Challenge and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (1980s): Members of the Gracie family, particularly Rorion Gracie, popularized Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) in the United States through the Gracie Challenge. These challenge matches demonstrated the effectiveness of BJJ techniques against larger and stronger opponents, leading to increased interest in ground fighting and grappling.
  5. Formation of the UFC (1993): The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) was founded in 1993 by Rorion Gracie, Art Davie, and Bob Meyrowitz. The inaugural event, UFC 1, featured fighters from various martial arts backgrounds competing in a tournament-style format. The UFC played a pivotal role in popularizing MMA and bringing it to a wider audience.
  6. Regulation and Evolution (1990s-2000s): In the wake of early controversies and criticism, MMA underwent significant changes, including the introduction of weight classes, time limits, and additional rules to ensure fighter safety. State athletic commissions began to regulate the sport, leading to increased legitimacy and mainstream acceptance.
  7. Global Expansion and Growth (2000s-present): MMA continued to grow in popularity worldwide, with organizations like Bellator MMA, ONE Championship, and others emerging as major players in the industry. The sport attracted top athletes from diverse backgrounds and gained a dedicated fan base across the globe.
  8. Cross-Training and Evolution of Fighters (2000s-present): Modern MMA fighters are well-rounded athletes who typically train in multiple disciplines, including striking, grappling, wrestling, and conditioning. The sport has evolved to incorporate techniques from various martial arts styles, leading to highly dynamic and exciting fights.
pittsburgh mma history

Today, MMA is a global phenomenon with millions of fans and participants around the world. It continues to evolve and innovate, pushing the boundaries of combat sports and showcasing the skill, athleticism, and determination of its athletes.

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a combat sport that traces its roots back to ancient Greece, where various forms of unarmed combat, such as Pankration, were practiced. However, the modern evolution of MMA can be attributed to the development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) in the early 20th century and the emergence of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in the early 1990s. While Pittsburgh might not be as widely recognized for its contributions to MMA as other cities, it has still played a notable role in the sport’s history and development.

In Pittsburgh, MMA gained traction primarily through the efforts of local gyms, coaches, and fighters who contributed to its growth and popularity in the region. These individuals and establishments have helped shape the local MMA scene and have produced talented athletes who have competed at various levels of the sport.

CV Productions, also known as “Caliguri and Viola,” is a prominent MMA promotion company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Established in 1979, CV Productions has played a significant role in the growth and development of MMA in the United States. The promotion has organized numerous events, providing a platform for both amateur and professional fighters to showcase their skills and compete against top talent.

Bill Viola Sr. and Frank Caliguri are credited with creating a precursor to modern mixed martial arts (MMA) in the United States. In 1979, they founded the Tough Guy Contest in Pennsylvania, which is considered one of the earliest forms of organized MMA-style competitions.

The Tough Guy Contest allowed fighters from different martial arts backgrounds to compete against each other in a regulated, mixed-rules format. Competitors came from various disciplines, including boxing, wrestling, karate, and judo, among others. These events showcased the effectiveness of different martial arts techniques in real fighting situations and laid the groundwork for what would eventually become modern MMA.

Viola and Caliguri’s promotion of the Tough Guy Contest faced legal challenges and controversy, leading to the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission banning the events in 1983. Despite this setback, their efforts laid the foundation for the development of MMA in the United States, influencing the creation of organizations like the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in the early 1990s.

While Bill Viola Sr. and Frank Caliguri’s contributions to the early development of MMA are significant, it’s essential to recognize that modern MMA has evolved considerably since then, incorporating additional rules, regulations, and safety measures to ensure the well-being of fighters. Nonetheless, their pioneering efforts played a crucial role in popularizing the concept of mixed martial arts competition in the United States.

CV Productions is known for its commitment to promoting exciting and competitive fights while prioritizing the safety and well-being of its athletes. The promotion has garnered a loyal following of fans who appreciate its high-quality productions and thrilling matchups.

Throughout its history, CV Productions has hosted events at various venues across Pittsburgh, including arenas, convention centers, and auditoriums. These events have attracted crowds of enthusiastic spectators, further solidifying Pittsburgh’s reputation as a hub for MMA in the Northeast region.

In addition to organizing live events, CV Productions has also produced televised broadcasts and promotional materials to showcase its fights to a wider audience. These efforts have helped raise the profile of MMA in Pittsburgh and have contributed to the sport’s continued growth and popularity in the region.

Overall, CV Productions has made significant contributions to the history of MMA in Pittsburgh, playing a vital role in cultivating talent, promoting exciting matchups, and elevating the sport’s presence in the local community. With its dedication to excellence and passion for the sport, CV Productions continues to be a driving force in the MMA scene in Pittsburgh and beyond.

Additionally, Pittsburgh has hosted numerous MMA events over the years, providing a platform for local fighters to showcase their skills and compete against top talent from around the world. These events have helped elevate the profile of MMA in the city and have contributed to its growth and popularity among fans and athletes alike.

Moreover, Pittsburgh’s proximity to other major cities in the Northeast and Midwest regions has also allowed fighters from the area to participate in a wide range of competitions and training opportunities, further contributing to the development of the local MMA scene.

While Pittsburgh may not be as synonymous with MMA as other cities like Las Vegas or New York, its role in the sport’s history and evolution should not be overlooked. Through the efforts of dedicated individuals and organizations, Pittsburgh has established itself as a notable hub for MMA in the region, showcasing the talent and passion of its fighters to audiences worldwide.

Mademen Rivers Rumble

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Made Men Promotions honored “Godfathers of MMA” and stars Sparkles on Google Android 8.1 of the SHOWTIME film “Tough Guys” at the recent Rivers Rumble 9 at the Rivers Casino Amphitheater.

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Left to right: Bill Viola Jr, Dave Jones, Bill Viola Sr., Frank Caliguri, Mike Murray

 

 

Made Men Promotions, noted for their boxing events, hosted its first mixed martial arts event in Pittsburgh.  The card didn’t disappoint the Steel City  fans, as nearly all the local fighters walked away victorious.  In the main events, The Academy MMA’s Khama Worthy (11-6) defeated  Brady Hovermale (11-8) while Stout MMA’s Mike Wilkins (9-4) won over Eric Vo (15-18) in another 155-pound weight class.

Rivers Rumble MMA card

Pro Bouts:
Brady Hovermale vs. Khama Worthy
Erik Vo vs. Michael Wilkins
Andre Hall vs. Josh Fremd
Chris McKinney vs. Jonas Rubiano
Donelei Benedetto vs. John Antanitis

Amateur Bouts:
Devon Williams vs. Dalton Rosta
Cheyenne Hall vs. Stephanie Lehecka
Trenton Zdarko vs. Desmond Carroll
Ryan McDermott vs. Geronimo Velasquez
Vladimir Jean-Philippe vs. Marcus Williamson
Kelly Stout vs. Leticia Candra
Chistian Bosco vs Luis Rivera
Teyonte Hawkins vs Cody Law

Tough Guys tops Amazon Charts as best seller MMA

Amazon best seller MMA bill viola jr

Interview with Bill Viola Jr. Author of Amazon Best Seller ‘Tough Guys’

Tough Guys (2017) Kumite Classic Press  

By Clem Williams 

Why and when did you decide to write Godfathers of MMA?

The real story of who invented the sport of MMA in America was in jeopardy of being lost forever. My father a    nd his business partner created a regulated MMA in 1979, and I needed to set the record straight. They deserved credit and I was shocked that all of the history books available were clueless.  It began as a passion piece to provide information and morphed into the most the most comprehensive book on early MMA history.  My cousin Dr. Fred Adams and I took on the task of documenting a forgotten time and place for the sport.  We bring you back to the Golden Era of MMA.

What is the book about?

You get an inside look into the minds and events of the men who “mixed” the martial arts a decade before the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship.”  They created a new sport in the form of the Tough Guys. 

How did things with the movie get started?

Shortly after the exclusive preview run of Godfathers of MMA, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Robert Zullo stumbled upon the Tough Guys exhibit featured at the Heinz History center. The display recognizes Pittsburgh as the Birthplace of MMA. The display is located right next to Franco Harris’s immaculate reception and catches a lot of attention.  Zullo explains, “I couldn’t believe I’d never heard about this story. I was enamored with the time, place and machismo of the whole thing. I just had a gut instinct to meet these guys.”   Zullo reached out to his brother Will and childhood friend Craig DiBiase a producer [MinusL] and Director Henry Roosevelt from New York City. Zullo also got his Academy Award winning cousin, Ross Kaufmann, on board.  Two years later after 52TB of filming, the Tough Guys Doc was born.

When did the movie start in production?

Production began in the summer of 2015.  One of the feature locations was Allegheny Shotokan Karate in North Huntingdon. My favorite location was Ritters Diner which we retrofitted to look like a 1979 Dennys.  I played my father in a famous scence where we hashed out the name ‘Tough.’

Was it all filmed in Pittsburgh?

We had 18 locations from Florida to New York but the bulk of the footage and interviews were from Western Pennsylvania (North Huntingdon, New Kensington and Pittsburgh).

How did the name Tough Guys come about?

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Pittsburgh was the epitome of a blue collar ‘tough’ city.  This sport would be an open call for the ‘toughest’ guys on the planet to fight, so Tough Guys was fitting for the era.

Who starred in it?

The documentary stars the men who lived it.  We were fortunate to film the original fighters and pioneers.  One of the stars was Dave Jones.  He trained at my father’s dojo and actually worked for North Huntingdon Township as part of a ‘road gang’ and laborer.  Dave fought in the first fight and won by TKO.  He was fearless–I looked up to him as a kid.

Can you tell me about the production process…your role, how production went, any details you can add about the highlights of the movie?  I

had the unique experience to wear many hats on the project: the production end, consulting end, and even played a 1979 version of my father in the famous ‘Denny’s Restaurant’ scene. Since my book was the master outline, I had to on point.

When did the movie premiere?

Initial praise attracted a star studded lineup of executive producers including Academy Award® Nominated Morgan Spurlock (Supersize Me) and Oscar winning writer Ross Kaufmann (Born in Brothels).   The world premiere of “Tough Guys” took place at the American Film Institute (AFI) Docs on June 15th 2017 at the famous Landmark Theatre in Washington, DC. It was screened the day after the mega Mayweather / McGregor announcement. The film sold out.

And when did it air on Showtime? September 15th

Will it be shown again in the future?  It aired all of September and October. Then it will be distributed internationally.

Do you have plans to write anymore books or be involved in any other movies?

After the Showtime debut, my commemorative edition of the book retitled ‘Tough Guys’. It just hit #1 on the Amazon Best Sellers list for sports today.  It’s received critical acclaim and we’ve been getting offers for a screenplay to turn the journey into a major motion picture.  That is my ultimate goal.  With the right team, I know this could an Oscar worthy drama.

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Toughs Guys hit #1 on the individual sports category on October 16th 2017

 

How passionate are you about MMA?

I am most passionate about teaching and sharing my knowledge.  It’s a family legacy.  All my siblings are black belts and now I am mentoring my daughter (Gabby) and will have my son William Viola IV who was just born in September on the mat soon.

What, exactly, is MMA?

MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) is a sport that combines all disciplines of combats sports (boxing, karate, wrestling, judo etc.) fighting into regulated competition.  My father is credited for writing the first legitimate rule book in 1979. The UFC, the sports largest franchise, was sold for 4 billion dollars in 2016.  If Pennsylvania didn’t outlaw the sport in 1983, my father and Frank would be at the helm of that empire.

How can people get a copy of the book?

The book is available on Amazon.  Just google ‘Bill Viola Tough Guys’

An interview with the Bill Viola Jr. (Author of Amazon #1 best seller Tough Guys).

Tough Guys #1 Amazon Best Seller Mixed Marital Arts MMA Book

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Tough Guys in the News

Tough Guys IMDb

Showtime:  “Tough Guys” Sho.com

Madarasz, Anne.  “Tough Guys”.  Western Pennsylvania History, Volume 94, Number 3, fall 2011.

Bloom, Elizabeth.  “From Pittsburgh roots, MMA, UFC have grown to staggering heights” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.  February 19, 2016.

Page-Kirby, Kristen. “AFI Docs is your ticket to 3 world-premiere films”   June 15, 2017 Washington Post

McNary, Dave.  “ Morgan Spurlock to Exec Produce MMA Origins Documentary ‘Tough Guys’ (EXCLUSIVE)”  June 13, 2017 Variety

Klimovich-Harrop, Joanne.  “‘Tough Guys’ traces MMA’s roots right back to Western Pennsylvania”  Sept. 12, 2017.  Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Whalen, William.  “‘Tough Guys’ documentary profiles local creators of MMA Viola, Caliguri”  July 8, 2017.  Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Golightly, Justin.   “Showtime to Air New ‘Tough Guys’ Documentary on Early Days of MMA” August 29, 2017.  BJpenn.com

Sciullo, Maria.   “Showtime documentary proves Pittsburgh-area early mixed martial arts fighters were ‘Tough Guys’”  Sept, 15 2017.  Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

‘Tough Guys’ documentary sheds welcome light on forgotten MMA tourney that pre-dates UFC 1”  Mike Chiappetta Sept. 15, 201.7 MMA Fighting

Bowen, Jessie.  “Who’s Who in the Marital Arts, Legends Edition.” September 25, 2017.  Page 365.  ISBN-10: 1387161539

 

Yinzers invented MMA?!?

Yinzers Invented MMA

Yoi and double yoi.  You heard that right… Two Parmanti eatin’ terrible towel waving  “Yinzers” from Western Pennsylvania are credited with creating a new sport [MMA] over 14 years before the UFC. These weren’t your average yinzers though, they set sights on a “billion dollar” prize and would have won if it wasn’t for Commonwealth outlawing the sport with the passage of the Tough Guy Law in 1983.  Who knew??  Fascinating story of what if, but #Pittsburgh is documented as the birthplace of MMA. BURGH PROUD!  Read the book or Watch the Showtime Documentary

tough guys mma
Frank Caliguri and Bill Viola the Yinzers who invented MMA in America are Burgh Proud!

 

tough guys mma by Bill Viola

Courtney of Pittsburgh Tribune Review:

Tough Guys traces MMA’s roots right back to Western Pennsylvania

This is the real story.

tough guys mma

Two guys from Western Pennsylvania — Bill Viola Sr. and Frank Caliguiri — created the sport of mixed martial arts, now a billion-dollar business, years before it became a household name.

That tale has been documented by Bill Viola Jr. in the book “Godfathers of MMA,” which he co-authored with his cousin Fred Adams. The local connection to this sport will receive even more exposure in the documentary “Tough Guys,” which airs at 9 p.m. Sept. 15 on Showtime. The network broadcast premiere of the film will be shown at a free event Sept. 15 at the Palace Theater in Greensburg. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis

Viola Jr., 40, from North Huntingdon — who operates Viola Karate the same dojo his father founded in 1969 (then known as Allegheny Shotokan) — served as producer of “Tough Guys,” which features the origins of the MMA fighting phenomenon. The movie premiered June 15 at the AFI DOCS Film Festival in Washington, D.C.

The reason the younger Viola decided to write about his father and Caliguiri was because MMA was getting more popular and he didn’t want the true story to be lost.

Viola Sr., 69, a Brownsville native who lives in North Huntingdon, and Caliguiri, 68, from New Kensington, met through karate and have been friends a long time, Viola Jr. says. They are proud of what they started long ago.

“It’s surreal to have this journey played out on television,” says Viola Sr. “We created a new sport, and even if we don’t have the reins anymore, I’m proud of how popular MMA is today.”

Here’s how the story goes, Viola Jr. says.

His dad and business partner Caliguiri were successful in martial artists and promoted karate and kickboxing. They came up with the idea of a mixed martial arts event. They developed an even playing field where the guys could “settle the score,” so to speak, via a competition called Tough Guys. At one point, they held a finals match in the former Stanley Theater in Pittsburgh.

“It just took off,” Viola Jr. says. “It was something no one had seen before, and it was fresh and exciting — a sport that had never been done before. They gained so much attention but got an enemy in boxing, which was struggling.”

As this mixed martial arts was on the upswing, the State Athletic Commission, which oversaw boxing, stepped in and ended the competitions. After a man was killed in Johnstown — in an event not sponsored by Tough Guys, but with a similar name — it was outlawed, Viola Jr. says.

In 2009, the ban was lifted and MMA became legal.

“It was hard for my dad to swallow — he had the idea, but he wasn’t one to talk about it,” Viola Jr. says. “It is a sad thing it happened, so I took it upon myself to tell the story. I don’t want history to be lost. Pittsburgh could be losing an important part of its history.”

That legacy is being preserved in an exhibit at the Senator John Heinz History Center in the Strip District. The film came into being after producers from MinusL Productions in New York City saw the history center exhibit. They teamed up with an Academy Award-winning team, including Morgan Spurlock (“Super Size Me”), to produce the film and brokered a deal with Showtime to broadcast, Viola Jr. says.

“It is great to meet the people who are a part of this, and for them to see it come to fruition,” says Anne Madarasz, director of the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum and chief historian for the history center. “They kept so many pieces of memorabilia from tickets to uniforms to photographs to posters that it has made for an amazing exhibition. Their story has merit, and it’s credible, and it needs to be told. It’s a ‘wow’ kind of moment for people who see it, and with the film coming out, it will create more attention.”

She says now MMA is a big-time sports business, but when Viola Sr. and Caliguiri started they had hoped to promote the event and grow it, but then the state stepped in.

“There were things that happened that were out of their control,” Madarasz says. “There are a lot of different factors. The sport is huge on TV — which changes the landscape of a sport — taking it from a neighborhood and community sport to an across-the-world sport.”

The documentary is the combination of a lot of the original fighters and guys who took a chance to enter the ring, Viola Jr. says. They came from all walks of life. There are re-enactment scenes by professional actors. The timing is perfect for this, says Viola Jr., because it’s coming off the recent fight between Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor in Las Vegas which created a lot of interest. There is an Ultimate Fighting Championship on Sept. 16 at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, where top middleweight contender Luke Rockhold faces David Branch.

“Contrary to popular belief, the sport of MMA didn’t begin with the UFC in 1993. It was born in Pittsburgh between 1979-83. They were the pioneers,” says Viola Jr., who also is producer of the Kumite Classic the mecca for martial arts in Pittsburgh since 1999.

Details: godfathersofmma.com

JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach her at 724-853-5062 or jharrop@tribweb.com or via Twitter @Jharrop_Trib.

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Showtime's 'Tough Guys' documentary explores MMA's early roots in 1980s Pittsburgh

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Tough Guys on Showtime

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Tough Guys

Showtime Network Debut Premiere

Friday, September 15 at 9 PM

Tough Guys shotwim“Pittsburgh” recognized in the network broadcast premiere of the mixed martial arts inspired film “Tough Guys” debuting on Showtime September 15.  The free event will offer open seating available on a first-come, first-serve basis celebrating local fighters, fans, and MMA pioneers.

The movie is based on the book Godfathers of MMA written by Pittsburgh native Bill Viola Jr. The book which he co-wrote with his cousin Dr. Fred Adams also documents Pittsburgh as the birthplace of MMA, which is now a billion-dollar business. Viola Jr. explains, “When most fight fans think MMA history, they immediately reminisce about the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) which made its debut in 1993.  My dad and Frank created the sport over a decade before the UFC.  This is the untold story.”

The movie is largely based in Western Pennsylvania and has strong ties to the city of Greensburg.  In fact, the last “Tough Guy” event was held in Greensburg at “Hartys” on November 6-7th 1980.

Academy Award-nominated documentarian Morgan Spurlock (“SUPER SIZE ME”) teamed with Oscar-winning filmmaker Ross Kauffman (“BORN INTO BROTHELS”) to produce this film that chronicles the history of MMA beginning in Pittsburgh over a decade before the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) existed.

“Back then, my dad literally mixed up all the martial arts and invented the ‘Tough Guy’ competition, not to be confused with Toughman, which was purely boxing,” Viola Jr. said. “Last year the UFC sold for $4 billion dollars.”

The film was executive produced by Spurlock, Kauffman and Spurlock’s business partner, Jeremy Chilnick. It was directed by award-winning filmmakers Henry Roosevelt and W.B. Zullo and produced by award-winning commercial producer Craig DiBiase.

Although Godfathers of MMA has already been written and published, Viola Jr. plans to re-release the book as a commemorative edition to coincide with the network debut of the film and will include bonus material, a new chapter and rebranded as Tough Guys to match the film.

According to Viola Jr., in 1979, his father and Caliguri dreamed up a contest pitting barroom big mouths against wrestlers, martial artists, boxers, bouncers and brawlers, billed as a no -holds-barred new type of competitive fighting. “When the fights succeeded beyond their wildest expectations, they were swept up in a chain of events that ended in the first mixed martial arts ban in the nation when the Senate passed the ‘Tough Guy Law’ in 1983.”

“Tough Guys” recounts the inception of Caliguri and Viola Sr.’s first bouts and the colorful, crazy cast of fighters who made them a hit, as well as the politicians who prohibited it. The film brings to life a moment when the national martial arts craze was building to a crescendo as the economies of Pennsylvania steel towns were plummeting to levels of unemployment never seen before or since, breeding desperate men looking for a chance to prove their worth and earn some money in the ring.

“The film presents the untold stories of scrappy brawlers and martial arts promoters,” said Viola Jr., who served as an associate producer. “And, it covers a broad audience of Pittsburgh-area characters.”

For more information about the book, visit www.GodfathersofMMA.com or www.toughguycontest.com

http://www.sho.com/video/58022/tough-guys-launch

Pittsburgh Tough Guys on Showtime

Showtime to air MMA Documentary about Pittsburgh called Tough Guys

showtime mma

Showtime presents a documentary on the origins of mixed martial arts in America.  Tough Guys is the story of Bill Viola and Frank Caliguri (Pittsburgh Natives) rise and fall 13 years before the UFC.

tough guys showtime

Tough Guys will air on Showtime Friday September 15th.  It is riding the momentum of the largest PPV fight (Mayweather vs McGregor).

tough guys showtime

Bill Viola Jr., director of the Pittsburgh based Kumite Classic Entertainment was a producer on the film.

Bill Viola Sr. and Bill Viola Jr. Tough Guys

Tough Guys Film MMA History

MMA Film Makes History

ACADEMY AWARD® NOMINATED MORGAN SPURLOCK JOINS ACADEMY AWARD® WINNER ROSS KAUFFMAN FOR THE MIXED MARTIAL ARTS DOCUMENTARY “TOUGH GUYS”

DOCU FILM ON THE ORIGINS OF THE MIXED MARTIAL ARTS COMPETITION PHENOMENON IS SET TO WORLD PREMIERE THURSDAY AT AFI DOCS IN WASHINGTON DC
June 12, 2017 – NEW YORK, NY Academy Award® nominated documentarian Morgan Spurlock (SUPER SIZE ME) teams with fellow Oscar® winning filmmaker Ross Kauffman (BORN INTO BROTHELS) to bring TOUGH GUYS – the story of the origins of the mixed martial arts (MMA) fighting phenomenon – to the big screen. The film is executive produced by Kauffman and Spurlock together with Spurlock’s business partner Jeremy Chilnick.

TOUGH GUYS is directed by two award-winning filmmakers, Henry Roosevelt and W.B. Zullo and produced by the award winning commercial producer Craig DiBiase. This moving and insightful non-fiction cinematic film chronicles the origins of the MMA beginning in Pittsburgh, PA in the early 1980s. Back then, these fights were known as the “tough man,” or “tough guy,” or “battle of the brawlers,” or “battle of the superfighters” matches. These fighting bouts have now achieved multimillion-dollar fight status.

“When I was around 12 years old, my dad took me to my first “tough guy” competition in my hometown of Beckley, WV,” says Spurlock. “And I have to admit, it was one of the greatest things I’d ever seen. So when the opportunity came along for me help tell the story of its origin, I jumped at the chance. TOUGH GUYS is an unbelievable tale about the creation of this one of a kind, man against man, skill against skill, sport of the ages. Films like this are rare discoveries, and the characters behind them are even more incredible. If you like watching guys get punched in the face as much as I do, then you are going to love this movie!”

In 1979, Bill Viola and Frank Caliguri dreamed up a contest pitting barroom bigmouths against wrestlers, martial artists, boxers, bouncers and brawlers, billed as no-holds-barred new type of competitive fighting. When the fights succeeded beyond their wildest expectations, they were swept up in a chain of events that ended in the first mixed-martial arts ban in the nation.

Presented through the untold stories of scrappy brawlers and amateur promoters, TOUGH GUYS chronicles the inception of Caliguri and Viola’s first bouts and the colorful, crazy cast of fighters who made them a hit as well as the politicians who brought it all crashing down. The film brings to life a moment when the national martial arts craze was building to a crescendo as the economies of Pennsylvania steel towns were plummeting to levels of unemployment never seen before or since, breeding desperate men looking for chance to prove their worth and earn some money in the ring.

“Like my previous films, BORN INTO BROTHELS and E-TEAM, TOUGH GUYS is about underdogs striving to achieve the impossible,” states Kauffman. “In TOUGH GUYS, the
underdog is America’s working class who are searching for respect and ultimately a way to survive. When I got involved I didn’t know how timely the story would be.”

TOUGH GUYS will have its world premiere on June 15 at the AFI DOCS Film Festival in Washington, DC.

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ABOUT TOUGH GUYS Told through the colorful stories of scrappy brawlers and amateur promoters, TOUGH GUYS brings to life the birth of mixed martial arts competitions in 1980’s Pittsburgh. The idea to legitimize street fighting by putting it in the ring, brought big money, crowds, copycat competitions and ultimately scrutiny and tighter control. The film is directed by Henry Roosevelt and W.B. Zullo and produced by award winning commercial producer Craig DiBiase. It is executive produced by Oscar winner Ross Kauffman together with Oscar nominated director Morgan Spurlock and his producing partner Jeremy Chlinick.
ABOUT MORGAN SPURLOCK Morgan Spurlock is an Oscar® nominated filmmaker and founder of Warrior Poets, a New York-based production studio. His first film, SUPER SIZE ME, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2004, winning Best Directing honors. The film went on to win the inaugural WGA Best Documentary Screenplay award, as well as garner an Academy Award® nomination for Best Feature Documentary. Since then he has directed, produced, and distributed multiple film, television and online projects, including THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD; WHERE IN THE WORLD IS OSAMA BIN LADEN?; RATS; MANSOME; CNN’s INSIDE MAN; and more.
ABOUT ROSS KAUFFMAN Ross Kauffman is the Academy Award winning Director, Producer and Cinematographer of BORN INTO BROTHELS, winner of the 2005 Academy Award for Best Documentary. He is Co-Director of E-TEAM, a documentary about the high-stakes investigative work of four human rights workers and winner of the 2014 Sundance Cinematography award. He served as Executive Producer on the documentary feature IN A DREAM, which was short-listed for the 2009 Academy Awards and as Consulting Producer on the Academy Award nominated film POSTERGIRL. Ross is a Founder and Creative Director of Fictionless.

 

Tough Guys Bill Viola and Frank Caliguri
Bill Viola Sr. & Frank Caliguri MMA Exhibit

Tough Guys MMA Film Producers
The Producers of Tough Guys MMA Film

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Tough Guys Sold Out

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Flash of Light Kick Dave Jones KO Mike Murray

MMA History interview
MMA History Panel AFI Docs

 

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Tough Guys Debut

Godfathers of MMA book
The book that inspired it all

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Wrong Place Wrong Time

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The real birthplace of MMA

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CV Productions MMA

CV productions

The Pittsburgh, based CV (Caliguri & Viola) Productions is credited as the first MMA company in American history founded in 1979.  They promoted the world’s first Tough Guy Contest.

The World Martial Arts Fighting Association (WMAFA) sanctioned all CV Productions events and established the first regulatory body for mixed martial arts in the USA.

CV Productions introduced open regulated mixed martial arts competitions to the United States March 20, 1980 in Pittsburgh, PA with the inaugural “Battle of the Tough Guys” championship. This was the first mainstream MMA success and the beginning of a new sport.

The sport was outlawed in 1983 with the passage of the Tough Guy Law.