UFC 15.5: Ultimate Japan 1

UFC 15.5: Ultimate Japan 1, held on December 21, 1997, marked a significant moment in mixed martial arts history. This event was notable for being the first UFC event hosted outside the United States, expanding the reach of the organization into Japan.

The event featured a four-man heavyweight tournament and included the inaugural UFC Middleweight Championship bout. Legendary fighters like Randy Couture, Frank Shamrock, and Kazushi Sakuraba made their UFC debuts here, adding to the event's significance. A Heavyweight Championship bout and a Superfight also highlighted the card, making it a key moment in the evolution of the sport.

With a runtime of 137 minutes, UFC 15.5 is a comprehensive showcase of the early days of MMA, capturing the intensity and excitement that defined the sport's growth during this era. Collectors and fans of UFC will appreciate this historic event as it encapsulates the beginnings of global MMA competition.