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1997 in sports describes the year's events in world sport.
Men's professional
Men's amateur
Women's professional
Steeplechases
Flat races
The following is a list of major noteworthy MMA events during 1997 in chronological order.
Date | Event | Alternate Name/s | Location | Attendance | PPV Buyrate | Notes |
February 7 | UFC 12: Judgement Day | — | ![]() |
3,100 | — | UFC rule change, split main tournament into heavyweight (200lbs+) and lightweight (Under 200lbs) divisions. Eight-man tournament ceases. Introduction of titles. Superfights cease. |
May 30 | UFC 13: Ultimate Force | — | ![]() |
5,100 | — | Closed fisted strikes to the head were banned for this event only. |
July 27 | UFC 14: Showdown | — | ![]() |
5,000 | — | UFC rule change, requires fighters to use 4–6 oz gloves. |
October 11 | Pride 1 | — | ![]() |
47,860 | — | Pride FC's first event. The event featured one kickboxing bout between Branko Cikatić and Ralph White. |
October 17 | UFC 15: Collision Course | — | ![]() |
— | — | UFC rule change, redefined permissible striking areas. |
December 21 | UFC Japan: Ultimate Japan | UFC 15.5 | ![]() |
5,000 | — | This event featured the first appearance of longtime UFC announcer Mike Goldberg. |