The Future of MMA on Television
A growth in MMA fans has led to cable television deals
MMA has grown sporadically in the past few years and now it can be seen on our television screens.
The future of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) looks to be a bright future for the sport that could very well be as popular as NASCAR when it hit Mainstream America several years ago.
It will only be a matter of time until MMA overtakes some of the lesser known sports. It is already starting to overtake boxing
The sport has already started to take away fans from boxing. What makes MMA more exciting than boxing is the fact that there is less dancing in Mixed Martial Arts fighting, or hugging your opponent while moving around the ring. Action is required in an MMA ring.
Another advantage is the longer time limit for MMA, as each round consists of five to seven minutes. A round in boxing usually lasts three minutes and anywhere from five to twelve rounds. MMA rounds are anywhere between three to five, usually depending on if there is a title fight or not.
The most notable MMA organization is the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The UFC was created in the early 90s and was most known for their lack of rules.
The sport was widely condemned and on the verge of extinction, until Zuffa LLC, owned by Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta, bought the UFC several years ago. With Dana White in charge, the only place to go was up.
Since it’s brutal days, the UFC has cleaned up its image and continues to dominate the MMA world.
MMA is starting to branch out into cable television. It started a couple of years ago when Spike TV and the UFC joined forces. Now Spike TV has Fights every couple of months.
Not only that, but Spike TV airs the popular reality show “The Ultimate Fighter” (TUF). The show has propelled the UFC into the mainstream.
As of lately though, there are alternatives to the UFC showing up on cable television. Pride Fighting, a close rival of the UFC, can be seen on FSN.
The International Fight League (IFL) can be seen on MyNetwork TV, as well as on FSN. Also, Bodog Fight is now on television and can be seen on ION.
MMA is growing more and more, as more states are legalizing the sport. It’s only a matter of time until the UFC is seen on ESPN. Who knows, maybe ESPN will start their own MMA organization.
As the sport continues to grow, look for MMA to have a breakout year.
