The Growth of MMA

The sport of MMA has been growing extremely fast, especially over the past ten years. When the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) started in 1993, it was seen as a brutal spectacle by most and was not considered a sport. By 2001 the company was bought by the Fertita brothers, two multi- millionaires who were very passionate about MMA and were about to transform it into a well known sport. When you look at the UFC today, it has become one of the fastest growing sports and is now followed by millions of fans around the world. MMA is usually known as UFC now because it has bought and absorbed its major competitors over the past few years, including Pride FC, WEC, and Strikeforce to name few. Many see it as a monopoly, although the UFC can take most of the credit for the growth of MMA. They have set new rules in order for it to be considered a sport in the states and all around the world. They have been going to countries all around the globe and are still waiting to go into different markets. The UFC recently added a women's division also, so this means that women who are interested in the sport can now join. This will also attract more female fans because they will now have female figures they can cheer for. MMA had me hooked since I was in middle school, and it's one of the best sports out there in every aspect. Everyone should give it a chance.

Joel Romo (KIN 332I Tu/Th 12:30)