When you hear “MMA,” the first thing that probably comes to mind is the UFC. And for good reason—it’s the biggest and most well-known promotion in the world. But if you’re a fan of combat sports, sticking to just the UFC is like only listening to the top-40 hits on the radio. There’s a whole world of amazing promotions and different types of fighting out there, each with its own style, energy, and stars.
In this article, we’re going to take a journey beyond the octagon. We’ll explore some of the best alternatives for fans who want to see a different side of fighting, from other major MMA leagues to entirely different combat sports that are just as thrilling.
Top MMA Promotions You Should Know
While the UFC is the king of the hill, several other MMA promotions are doing incredible things. They have their own legends, their own rising stars, and their own unique flavors that make them a must-watch for any real fight fan.
Bellator MMA
Bellator has been a major player in the MMA world for over a decade. It’s known for being a great home for seasoned veterans who are still competing at a high level, as well as a place for up-and-coming talent to make a name for themselves. Bellator often uses a tournament format in some of its weight classes, which adds a cool extra layer of drama and stakes as fighters battle their way to a championship.
Professional Fighters League (PFL)
The PFL is one of the most innovative promotions out there, thanks to its unique structure. Instead of just having single fights, the PFL runs like a traditional sports season. Fighters compete in a regular season to earn points, then advance to a playoff bracket. The winners of the championship fights get a huge cash prize—a cool one million dollars. This format creates a clear and exciting path for fighters and makes every single match matter.
ONE Championship
If you want to see a promotion that truly embraces the spirit of “mixed” martial arts, then ONE Championship is for you. Based in Asia, ONE puts on events that feature not only MMA fights but also matches in Muay Thai, kickboxing, and submission grappling. It’s a complete martial arts festival on a single night, and the fighters are known for their incredible skill across all disciplines.
KSW (Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki)
KSW is a giant in Europe, especially in its home country of Poland. What makes KSW stand out is its huge stadium shows and over-the-top, theatrical production. Fighters make extravagant entrances, and the crowds are famous for their passionate, soccer-like chants and energy. KSW feels less like a sterile sporting event and more like a massive, rock-concert-level spectacle.
Combate Global
If you’re looking for a new promotion to follow, Combate Global is growing fast. It has a strong focus on the Hispanic market and showcases fighters from both the United States and Latin America. The promotion has a vibrant, energetic feel that celebrates Hispanic culture and is dedicated to building its own roster of stars with a dedicated fan base.
Other Combat Sports to Explore
If you’re open to combat sports that aren’t MMA, there’s an even wider world to discover. These sports have their own sets of rules and provide a different kind of excitement.
Boxing
Many MMA fighters have a foundation in boxing, and for good reason. It’s the “sweet science” of hitting and not getting hit. If you love the strategic dance of punches, footwork, and head movement, boxing is the ultimate form of that art. Watching top-level boxers is a masterclass in precision and ring generalship.
Muay Thai and Kickboxing
These are the “stand-up” striking arts, and they are brutal and beautiful all at once. In Muay Thai (often called the “art of eight limbs”), fighters can use their fists, feet, elbows, and knees to strike. Kickboxing is a little more limited but still offers a thrilling display of power and technique. If you love the striking part of MMA, these sports will blow you away. A great place to start is with promotions like Glory Kickboxing.
Submission Grappling
This is the complete opposite of stand-up fighting. In submission grappling, there are no strikes at all. The entire focus is on takedowns, positional control, and forcing your opponent to tap out with a joint lock or choke. It’s like a physical game of chess, where the smallest mistake can lead to defeat. If you’re fascinated by the ground game in MMA, promotions like ADCC and Polaris are a must-watch.
The World of Regional and Independent Promotions
Finally, don’t forget the smaller, regional promotions. Every big-name fighter in the UFC, Bellator, or PFL started their career on the local scene. These events provide a grassroots feel and are a great way to discover the next generation of stars before they hit the big time. They’re often run with a lot of heart and are a direct way to support the sport at its foundations.
Conclusion: Don’t Limit Yourself
The world of combat sports is a rich and diverse place. While the UFC is definitely at the top, limiting yourself to just one promotion means you’re missing out on some incredible fights, unique styles, and unforgettable moments. Exploring promotions like Bellator and PFL, or even diving into a different sport like Muay Thai or submission grappling, can give you a whole new appreciation for what it means to be a martial artist.
What do you think? Have you watched any of these promotions before, or is there another one you love that we didn’t mention?
