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Mixed martial arts (MMA) is popular with fighting fans around the world. There are more MMA promotions actively hosting events than ever before and we’re going to discuss the most popular MMA promotions.
There’s zero doubt that the UFC is the most popular MMA promotion. With events almost every weekend, the UFC is the top dog in MMA. There are lots of other MMA promotions to watch and bet on, though.
#1 UFC
The first UFC event was hosted in Denver, Colorado in 1993. A lot has changed since then. The UFC is easily the most popular MMA promotion. The UFC has helped turn fighters into superstars.
There are live UFC events almost weekly nowadays and there are over 500 fighters under contract.
#2 PFL
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) launched in 2018 with a unique format. The PFL uses a season format and there are six weight classes. Every year there’s a new season. There’s a regular season and playoffs. The season concludes with the World Championship finale to determine the new champions.
PFL made waves in MMA when they inked a deal with Francis Ngannou in 2023.
#3 ONE Championship
The biggest player in Asia is ONE Championship. They not only host MMA events, but there are events for Muay Thai, jiu-jitsu, kickboxing and more. ONE was founded in 2011 and based in Singapore.
They have had numerous stars fight for the promotion, including Demetrious Johnson.
#4 Bellator MMA
Bellator was founded in 2008 and has hosted lots of great fights throughout the years. Bellator is based out of Hollywood, California. The MMA promotion has regular events, often featuring big names.
They also host World Grand Prix tournaments that are unique and exciting to follow. There have been a number of big names that have left the UFC over the years to join Bellator.
#5 Rizin Fighting Federation
Rizin was founded in 2015 and is based out of Tokyo, Japan. Rizin are currently hosting around 10 MMA events annually and they’re a must-watch for fighting fans that enjoy how MMA fights used to be.
One of the reasons why Rizin has grown in popularity is due to the rules. Rizin features an aggressive set of rules that differs from the UFC. For example, kicks and knees to downed opponents and 12-6 strikes are legal. Most fighters are Japanese, but there are some Americans, including John Dodson.
#6 KSW
KSW was founded in 2004 and is based out of Poland. It’s one of the most popular MMA promotions in Europe. A number of big name Polish fighters, including Jan Blachowicz, have built their resume up in KSW before signing UFC contracts. There’s generally one KSW event every month.
#7 Cage Warriors
Cage Warriors is a lot like KSW, it’s a feeder MMA promotion for the UFC. Cage Warriors was founded in 2022 and is based out of London, UK. The promotion currently hosts 15+ events annually.
Some UFC superstars have fought with Cage Warriors early in their careers, including Conor McGregor and Michael Bisping. A lot of amazing European talent are fighting under the Cage Warriors banner.
There are numerous other MMA promotions that are actively hosting events, but these are the most popular MMA promotions to bet on. There are always betting odds for events hosted by these MMA promotions.
