Art Jimmerson, an MMA pioneer who competed at UFC 1 more than three decades ago, died Wednesday, his family announced on social media. He was 60.
Jimmerson represented the sport of boxing in the eight-man tournament that took place at the UFC's inaugural event on Nov. 12, 1993, in Denver. Jimmerson, who had competed as a professional boxer since 1985, famously entered his opening-round matchup against eventual UFC 1 winner Royce Gracie wearing one glove.
Gracie tapped out Jimmerson in less than three minutes to earn the first submission win in UFC history. Gracie would become one of the most influential and legendary fighters of all time.
Jimmerson returned to pro boxing before retiring from the sport in 2002. Later, he worked as a boxing coach in California.
