Pankration
The ancient Greek Olympic MMA — striking and grappling with almost no rules; only biting and eye-gouging banned.
👥1 per team🌤outdoor
What is Pankration?
Pankration was the mixed striking-and-grappling combat sport of the ancient Olympics, added in 648 BCE. Combatants used punches, kicks, throws, joint locks and chokes; the only banned techniques were biting and eye-gouging. A bout ended by submission, knockout or death. Modern pankration is contested internationally under the WPAF.
Quick facts
Category
Combat Sports
Type
Individual
Players
1 per team
Where played
outdoor
Country of origin
🇬🇷 Greece
Estimated origin
648 BCE, 33rd ancient Olympic Games, Greece
Olympic
No
Popularity
niche
Sources & provenance
Last verified 2026-08-24.verified