The recent thrilling UFC297 match, where Dricus Du Plessis emerged as the middle-weight UFC world champion, made me wonder about an intriguing aspect of the UFC: the shape of its cage, the octagon. It turns out this unique, eight-sided design has specific origins and reasons.
Etymology: The Octagon’s Ancient Roots
The word “octagon” traces its origins back to the Greek and Latin languages. In Greek, it is derived from “ὀκτάγωνος” (oktagōnos), which comes from a combination of “ὀκτᾰ-“ (okta-), a prefix meaning ‘eight’, and “γωνία” (gōnía), meaning ‘angle’.
This Greek root, in turn, stems from “ὀκτώ” (oktṓ), which means ‘eight’, and is ultimately derived from the Proto-Indo-European word “*oḱtṓw”, also signifying ‘eight’.
Later, the term made its way into Latin as “octagonos”, maintaining the meaning of ‘eight-angled’. The definition of octagon in geometry refers to a plane figure having eight angles and eight sides, which is consistent with its etymological roots.
The Octagon, Fighting Games, and the Birth of the UFC
Interestingly, the martial arts film industry influenced the Octagon’s design. Jason Cusson, an art director involved in its creation, drew inspiration from the 1980 film “The Octagon,” starring Chuck Norris. While the film itself did not feature an actual octagon-shaped fighting arena, its title and martial arts theme played a pivotal role in sparking the idea for this innovative design.
Inspiration from Unexpected Sources
In the early 1990s, the arcade fighting game genre was witnessing an unprecedented boom. Titles like Mortal Kombat 2 and Super Street Fighter 2 were not just games; they were cultural phenomena. Their success led to the birth of other iconic franchises, such as Tekken and Soul Calibre. This era of gaming frenzy coincided with the inception of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Campbell McLaren, co-creator and executive producer of the UFC, saw a direct connection. After meeting Rorion Gracie and talking about a “War of the Worlds” competition, McLaren’s vision of a live-action Mortal Kombat game was further developed.
UFC1 – The OG
On November 12, 1993, UFC 1: The Beginning marked a pivotal moment in combat sports. Held at the McNichols Sports Arena in Denver, Colorado, this event showcased fighters from various martial arts backgrounds clashing in a one-night tournament. The objective was clear: to determine the most effective fighting style.
The Octagon’s Evolution and Specifications
The final design featured an octagon-shaped cage, approximately 30 feet (9.15 metres) in diameter, offering ample space for diverse fighting styles.
The UFC chose an octagon-shaped cage to ensure the safety of its fighters. The octagonal shape, with its hard, plastic-coated fence, prevents fighters from falling or being thrown out of the fighting area, a risk present in rings with fewer sides.
The Octagon was designed to be visually striking. The choice of an eight-sided shape was a departure from traditional sports arenas, making it instantly recognisable and adding a unique visual element to the sport.
National Inspiration
Dricus du Plessis’ historic UFC triumph has risen as a symbol of optimism and pride during a time when political and governmental issues have sapped the spirit of South Africa. Much like the triumphant 2023 Rugby World Cup, his win stands as a testament to the resilience and undying spirit of the South African people. It’s a reminder that, amidst adversity, there can be moments of unparalleled glory that unite and uplift a nation. Dricus’s victory is not just a win in the octagon; it’s a symbolic victory for every South African, offering a much-needed respite and a reason to celebrate our collective strength and perseverance.
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