Art Jimmerson, who competed at UFC 1, has passed away. The fighter known as “One Glove” was 60 years old.
The cause of death has yet to be made public. His family did provide a statement to UFC.
“Art Jimmerson, a competitor in the first UFC event in 1993, passed away,” the statement read. “To fans of the UFC, Jimmerson will always be remembered for his pioneering match against Royce Gracie at UFC 1. He famously represented his sport of boxing by wearing one glove against the jiu-jitsu master.
“Jimmerson would lose that match by submission, but he had etched his name in MMA history in the process. (He became) an ambassador for the sport in future years. Even a coach at the UFC Gym in Torrance, California.”
Jimmerson’s son, Christian, remembered his father on Facebook,
“”Art was known for his love of God, family and boxing,” he wrote. “He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”
Art Jimmerson Passes Away
Jimmerson would compete 51 times in his career, winning 33 matches. The St. Louis native last fought in 2002.
The bout at UFC 1 vs. Gracie was the lone MMA fight in the career of Jimmerson. Gracie scored a first round submission.
Jimmerson won the IBC Americas light heavyweight title in 1991. During his extended career, Jimmerson competed for a handful of other titles.
Prior to turning pro, he claimed the 1983 National Golden Gloves middleweight title.
