MMA Organization Growth And Public Attraction: State of the Debate

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is the preeminent mixed-martial arts (mma) organization in the world. As the market for mma grows, many wonder what role other promotions play in the sport's development. 

Organizational Growth and Public Attraction

The goal of the UFC is to become the "NFL" of mixed martial arts. Sometimes called "The Superbowl" of mixed martial arts events.

In their view, other organizations have a place as well, but it does not amount to anything more than the "minor leagues".

Regional promotions are where you prove your mettle before being drafted up to the "major leagues".

The problem with this perspective is that a few of these other organizations are not just "regional" outfits nor do their rosters consist of mere "minor league" level talent. 

In the United States alone there are two other organizations that attract world-class MMA talent as well. Bellator Fighting Championships and Strikeforce.

The UFC, specifically under Zuffa ownership since 2001, has done more for the growth of the sport than any other organization in MMA's history.

As with many things, progress can be effectively be obtained under singular leadership.

On the other hand, these other organizations are not ready to willingly consent to a monopoly, and, in some ways, choose to directly compete with the UFC.

If they are not "minor leagues", then it is possible they are enriching the MMA market by good old fashioned American open market ideology and competition.

Especially with their recent initiatives like the Heavyweight Grand Prix, Strikeforce is doing pretty well by itself from the stand point of attracting and engaging casual audiences (related article).

Bellator is actively competing for room in this growth market. Considering their grassroots beginning and financial backing by MTV2 for the new season, Bellator will not be one of the promotions that sizzles and fades, like the short lived Affliction promotion. 

What fans want to see most, however, is not organizations competing, but the fighters. The NFL, NBA, and dominant leagues of their ilk have become the cultural institutions they are because they eventually came to house all the top competition under one roof.

The UFC spearheads almost all the global progress for mixed martial arts as a sport, but there are major changes still to be made to become the singular cultural institution in MMA.