Mixed Martial Arts, better known as MMA, is a combat sport that involves full-contact techniques fighting. The term MMA was first documented in a UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) review by Howard Rosenberg in 1993.
Since then, its popularity has grown exponentially, and it has had a significant influence on the entertainment industry as a whole. Read on to find out the immersive impact of MMA on the sports culture, media, marketing, and the way audiences engage with content.
MMA and Its Increasing Popularity on Diverse Platforms
Originally, this competition was promoted as an unarmed form of martial arts. Over the period, individual fighters incorporated multiple martial arts to mark their unique fighting style. Additional rules were included for MMA to be accepted as a mainstream sport. With the introduction of these rules in compliance with sports regulations, today, MMA stands as a popular sport with a pay-per-view business model.
MMA has moved beyond the rings to catch the entertainment limelight. Today, what was perceived as an unfamiliar sport is considered a real-life combat game, claiming its niche in the showbiz world. MMA is also inspiring many arcade and console games. These include the EA Sports UFC series which produced three sequels, with EA Sports UFC 4 as the latest release in 2020.
Online Casinos, Sports Betting and MMA
With its emerging popularity, MMA has entered the online gaming and gambling industry as well. Warrior-themed slot titles such as Street Fighter are trending games across many reputable casinos. You can choose min deposit casinos to stake on your favourite titles from the comfort of your home without the fear of losing much.
Most top-rated casinos and sportsbooks around the world feature various MMA markets, allowing players to bet and win. Top-notch sportsbook platforms also enable players to enjoy live MMA matches in action. In addition, bettors can get live streaming on their smartphones and tablets, ensuring a seamless live betting experience, on the go.
Movies and MMA
Many movies have been themed on mixed martial arts, depicting the life, struggle and passion of fighters for this combat style. The fight culture of movies is heavily influenced by MMA, so much so that if you follow your favourite movie stars closely, you may find many of them posting their MMA training stories.
Similarly, several MMA fighters have been joining television and films as high-profile stunt directors and superstars. The crossover of MMA into the entertainment and gaming industry may not surprise many, but you can’t deny the thrill of watching your favorite MMA stars on your TV and gaming screens.
In 2014, Kingdom debuted on the Audience Network in the United States. It starred Frank Grillo and was about a retired MMA fighter turned trainer who juggled keeping his mixed martial arts gym running and keeping his family united. The series had many guest appearances, but one of the notable mainstays was Joe “Joe Daddy” Stevenson, who played a coach in multiple episodes and is also the fight coordinator for the series.
Famous MMA Stars on TV
UFC welterweight, Jay Hieron is a living example of an actor and stuntman involved in eminent projects like The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and many others. Latest films like Elysium and Kick-Ass 2 have also witnessed starstruck moments with former UFC champions walking the carpet in prominent roles.
Alexander Gustafsson, known as the Mauler in the ring, who began his career in the heavyweight segment of the UFC, featured in Johan Falk’s Swedish film- Blodsdiamanter. The six-time UFC champion- Randy Couture, also a former army sergeant started his acting career in 2003, appeared in several movies and continues to be a full-time actor.
How MMA Came Into the Spotlight?
The role of media and celebrity endorsements cannot be denied in attracting mainstream attention to MMA. From Sylvester Stallone to Arnold Schwarzenegger, a score of celebs endorsed the sport. From grappling and punching moves that started in the US, the sport has travelled the world, expanding to international markets.
UFC — the MMA promotion company has a significant role in the MMA’s influence on the entertainment industry. UFC’s live events and pay-per-view broadcasts are no less than rock concerts. The MMA fight cages flaunt elaborate setups. Even many fighters are celebrities in their rights and often appear in other forms of entertainment, including reality TV shows, OTT platforms and Hollywood blockbusters.
Digital Support From UFC
With its exclusive streaming service, UFC has penetrated digital media, making its content available on several streaming platforms, including ESPN and many others. UFC’s social media presence in actively promoting events and fighters has also added to its fan base.
The UFC has generated billions of dollars to rise as a major force in the world of entertainment. The UFC 229 between Khabib and McGregor depicted as high as 2.4 pay-per-view buys in millions.
The Future of MMA
The future of MMA is expected to grow and prosper. While UFC has set a benchmark, more and more fighting businesses may enter the industry. With the popularity of MMA in virtual sports, betting and entertainment platforms, many people are now joining the fan club. It isn’t uncommon to see prominent icons of other sports promoting MMA.
While UFC may continue investing in building on the safety guidelines, player participation will advance. Since its debut in the early 90s decade, UFC has come a long way. What started as a local-level combat sport has gained worldwide attention. We can assume, that virtual MMA competitions, interactive training simulations, and esports tournaments based on MMA could redefine the boundaries of both sports and gaming.
