Ring of Combat began with one simple concept, to give mixed martial art (MMA) fighters a platform to showcase their talent and dedication. Owned by former three-time world kickboxing champion, Lou Neglia, Ring of Combat began to pave the way for east coast MMA with its first event held October 12th, 2002 in Uncasville, Connecticut. Though there were only seven bouts on the card, fight fans and casual sports fans were fascinated by the this new form of combat sports and Lou knew he had something special. With the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) leading the charge in bringing positive awareness to the sport of MMA throughout the United States, Lou set his sights on The Garden State of New Jersey. After working with the boxing commission in New Jersey, Lou brought the first sanctioned MMA event to Secaucus, Jersey with Ring of Combat 2 on December 7, 2002