History
Pankration ("all power") was the no-holds-barred combat sport of ancient Greece, joining boxing and wrestling. It entered the Olympic Games in 648 BC and was one of the most popular events, also practised as military training.
Almost everything was allowed — punches, kicks, throws, chokes and joint locks — except biting and gouging the eyes. Fights went on until one man gave up by raising a finger, was knocked out or died.