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#4) No weight restrictions
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One of the biggest differences between the early years of the UFC and the modern era is that all fights were openweight.
The very first fight of the event set the tone for what viewers could expect. Sumo wrestler Teila Tui matched up with former karate champion Gerard Gourdeau. The result was shocking as Gourdeau dropped Tui with punches and followed up with a vicious head kick. The fight proved that anything could happen and that MMA was unpredictable.
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In Bloodsport, a similar matchup is shown between Pumola and Morra. The size advantage was apparent, but the outcome was much different than Gourdeau vs. Tui as the larger fighter wins in the film. The fight scene shows Morra circling and avoiding the larger opponent before landing strikes. However, he eventually gets caught by Pumola, who wins the fight shortly after.
#3) UFC events were considered illegal in most states
Although they're currently a global brand, the UFC wasn't always welcome in other markets throughout the years. The sport of MMA as a whole was viewed in a negative light.
Prior to the commissions and viewers getting familiar with what was happening in fights, the promotion had difficulties legalizing the sport. It wasn't viewed or celebrated like boxing, which led to a stigma placed on it. There hadn't been an event before, so participants vying to be the ultimate fighter likely made matters worse. Years later, there were many other hurdles the promotion and the sport as a whole needed to get through to be accepted as a legitimized sporting event. Fortunately, commissions eventually came around, and MMA became recognized and respected worldwide.
The Kumite was a secret underground martial arts tournament, which is essentially the biggest similarity. Throughout the film, there are scenes that show how the location of the tournament helps it remain a secret. It was even a secret to the point where reporters were banned, which made it difficult to document what took place.
