Ep 5. UFC Pt. 2: To Live or Die in the Octagon

In the Dark Side of the '90s season 2 episode 5 titled "UFC Pt. 2: To Live or Die in the Octagon," viewers will dive deeper into the world of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) during the 1990s. The episode explores the dangerous and violent nature of the sport, and how it became a controversial topic during this time period.

The episode begins by discussing the rise of the UFC during the early 1990s and how it quickly gained a following, especially among young men. Viewers will hear from former UFC fighters, sportscasters, and experts who will provide insight into the brutal nature of the sport. The episode examines the early rules of the UFC, which were minimal, and allowed fighters to use almost any tactic to defeat their opponents. This contributed to the graphic and often bloody nature of fights, leading to a wave of public scrutiny and backlash.

Viewers will hear interviews with people who were against the UFC, such as politicians and social activists, who believed that the sport promoted violence and was detrimental to society. In response, UFC officials made changes to their rules to make the sport less violent, and to appease critics. However, these changes were not always accepted by fans who enjoyed the brutal and raw nature of the early UFC fights.

The episode also dives into the tragic deaths of several UFC fighters during this time period, including the death of fighter David "Tank" Abbott's opponent, John Matua. It explores the question of whether the UFC was responsible for the fighters' deaths, or if the sport was just inherently dangerous. The episode also addresses the impact the deaths had on the UFC and how it affected its reputation.

Viewers will also hear about the careers of some of the most famous UFC fighters of the time, including Royce Gracie and Ken Shamrock. The episode explores how they became household names and why they were so popular among fans. It also touches on the drug use and steroid scandals that plagued the sport during this time period.

Overall, "UFC Pt. 2: To Live or Die in the Octagon" provides a fascinating look at the controversial and violent world of the UFC during the 1990s. Through interviews and archival footage, viewers will gain insight into the reasons for the sport's popularity, as well as the criticism and backlash it faced during this time period. The episode maintains a balanced perspective, examining both the positive and negative aspects of the UFC. Fans of both the sport and 1990s culture will find this episode engrossing and informative.