A thrilling full-contact combat sport based on striking, grappling and ground fighting - Mixed Martial Arts is skyrocketing in popularity. Combining many different disciplines of martial arts under one umbrella by providing a unified set of rules, MMA is a dynamic and rapidly growing sport. From an underground sport to a hugely popular mainstream sports attraction, MMA has taken quite a journey!
The Roots of MMA: A Convergence of Fighting Styles
MMA is one of the most rapidly growing sports in the world! Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu formed the basis for modern day MMA, when martial arts started making a comeback in the 1920s. It is now a unique blend of techniques from judo, wrestling, jujitsu, Thai boxing, karate and boxing. Initially frowned upon as a ‘sport’ due to it being too rough and brutal, it was difficult in the early days to organise and standardise fights until a standardised set of rules were formed in 2009. Mainly thanks to the UFC, MMA events draw huge crowds, are broadly televised and the fighters become household names - which has led to more and more people getting involved in the sport and learning how to fight MMA style in local gyms.
The Rise of Promotions and Organizations
The UFC was the original MMA organization, and the one that put this sport on the global map. With offices in London, Toronto and Beijing, the UFC spread live MMA across the world, introducing top fighters and creating a loyal global fanbase. New organisations such as Pride FC and Bellator are also emerging onto the scene, and these organisations all help to popularize and legitimize the sport internationally. Fighters such as Georges Se-Pierre, Conor McGregor and Chuck Liddell helped to elevate the status and visibility of MMA. Huge sponsorships and creative marketing tactics have shifted the perspective of MMA from primal street fighting to an elite sport.
Evolution of Rules and Regulations
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has undergone a remarkable transformation from its early days of no-weight-class and minimal regulations. The introduction of weight classes and more stringent safety rules has completely changed the game. This shift in MMA rules reflects the importance of staying informed across different areas, similar to how one might seek reviews for online casinos, stay updated on technology, and explore various interests.
In the early 2000’s the Unified Rules of MMA was proposed, providing a framework around fighter safety, weight classes, equipment and athlete attire, prohibited substances and judging criteria (just to name a few). Referees are able to deduct points and even stop the fight if needed. These rules and regulations have helped MMA gain mainstream acceptance and recognition as a legitimate sport.
Technological and Training Advancements
Advancements in technology are impacting every area of our lives, and sports are no different! Wearable devices are taking the martial arts world by storm, with smart devices tracking performance, heart rate data and recovery. You can even get interactive martial arts trainers, which have an interactive coach in an LCD touchscreen, and have moving strike pads so that you can train and measure your accuracy, power and timing. Despite originally having a reputation as being a sport for thugs, nowadays there is increasing use of data analytics and sports science in MMA. Training programs require a delicate balance of flexibility, strength and conditioning so that the different energy systems within the body are trained optimally (MMA is said to be the most challenging combat sport to train for).
Cultural Impact and Global Expansion
Endorsed and invested in by lots of big celebrity figures (including many famous actors, actresses, other elite sportspeople, singers and comedians), MMA continues to rapidly gain global recognition. The Irish fighter Conor McGregor was one of the first MMA fighters to become a household name when he became hugely popular and rose to to MMA fame. Although media coverage initially portrayed this sport as barbaric street fighting, it has shifted over the years toward portraying MMC fighters as to professional athletes. As streaming platforms and social media become more popular and MMA spreads throughout the world, this sport is reaching new audiences and building a wider fan base. It is growing in popularity within Asia, Europe and Latin America, and looks like it will continue to expand globally!
Conclusion
From its brutal, unregulated days, MMA is now a hugely popular and globally recognized sport. It is an incredible sport to watch as a fan as well as for beginners through to experienced pros to participate in, you can find MMA training clubs all over the world! Incorporating several different styles of martial arts and offering all-round exercise, it’s no surprise that its popularity has skyrocketed.
