History of Modern MMA pt. 3
Some notable steps in the evolution of UFC occured during events V and VI in the mid nineties. A 30 minute time limit and judges in case the match went over time were instituted to keep fans interested. Far more difficult was the task of pleasing John McCain. The Arizona senator managed to get pay-per-view carriers to drop UFC, causing a crisis within SEG.
Without PPV, UFC suffered a dark age in which it lost many of its former fans. Fortunately, it was picked up by Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta, owners of Zuffa, LLC. They, along with president Dana White, completely revamped UFC to be a more legitimate, "clean" sport. Their aim was to bring UFC back to television and eventually get it sanctioned.
Zuffa was successful in 2001, and UFC came back with record sales in both live tickets and PPV. There were now five weight classes: heavy (205+), light heavy (185-205), middle(170-185), welter(155-170), and light (145-155). Additionally, fights were separated into rounds and included fouls.
In light of these changes, McCain would say in a 2007 interview, "I think they've made significant progress. They haven't made me a fan, but they have made progress."
