Welcome to our roundup of the top-rated MMA promotions in the world today. As mixed martial arts continues to grow in popularity, more and more organizations are popping up, making it difficult for fans to keep up with the latest news and events. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best MMA promotions out there. These are the organizations that are leading the way in the world of MMA, and they’re the ones that you need to be watching if you want to stay on top of the sport.
Table of Contents
UFC – Ultimate Fighting Championship
The Ultimate Fighting Championship, or UFC, is the biggest and most well-known MMA promotion in the world. Founded in 1993, the UFC has been the driving force behind the rise of mixed martial arts as a sport, and has played a crucial role in its mainstream acceptance.
Over the years, the UFC has produced some of the most memorable moments and fighters in MMA history. From Royce Gracie’s early dominance in the early days of the sport, to Conor McGregor’s meteoric rise to fame in recent years, the UFC has consistently delivered high-quality events that draw in millions of fans from around the world.
One of the key factors behind the UFC’s success is its ability to attract the best fighters in the world. The promotion boasts a roster filled with some of the most talented athletes in the sport, and is constantly adding new talent to its ranks.
The UFC Experience
One of the things that sets the UFC apart from other MMA promotions is the overall experience it provides to fans. From the production values of its events to the quality of its commentary and analysis, the UFC is known for delivering a top-notch experience to viewers.
The promotion also places a strong emphasis on storytelling and building up rivalries between fighters. This not only adds to the drama and excitement of individual fights, but also helps to build a sense of anticipation leading up to major events.
All in all, the UFC is a must-watch for any fan of MMA. With its deep roster of talented fighters, high-quality events, and commitment to providing a top-notch viewing experience, it’s easy to see why it has become the leading MMA promotion in the world today.
Bellator MMA
Bellator MMA is a premier MMA organization that has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. Founded in 2008, Bellator has quickly become one of the top-rated MMA promotions in the world, known for its high-quality events and top-notch fighters.
Bellator’s success can be attributed to several factors, including its unique Grand Prix tournaments, which bring together some of the best fighters in the world to compete for the championship title. The promotion’s focus on showcasing up-and-coming talent has also helped to make it a renowned MMA organization.
Over the years, Bellator has produced a number of high-profile fighters, including Michael Chandler, Gegard Mousasi, and Douglas Lima. These fighters, along with many others, have helped to establish Bellator as a leading force in the MMA world.
One of the most memorable moments in Bellator history was the epic battle between Chandler and Eddie Alvarez at Bellator 58 in 2011. The fight, which lasted five rounds and was named “Fight of the Year” by several MMA publications, showcased the talent and determination of both fighters.
Bellator’s Top Fighters
| Fighter | Division |
|---|---|
| Michael Chandler | Lightweight |
| Gegard Mousasi | Light Heavyweight |
| Douglas Lima | Welterweight |
| Patricio Freire | Featherweight |
| Julia Budd | Featherweight |
These fighters are just a few examples of the talented athletes who compete in Bellator. With its exciting events, unique tournaments, and focus on developing new talent, Bellator has become a premier destination for MMA fans around the world.
ONE Championship
One of the top MMA promotions to watch out for is ONE Championship. This high-profile organization is a rising star in the MMA world and has gained a lot of attention for its unique approach to promoting mixed martial arts.
ONE Championship is known for its focus on martial arts’ traditional values and has been recognized for its commitment to responsibility, respect, and honor. This makes it stand out from other MMA promotions that often focus on hyping up fights with trash talk and controversial marketing.
The organization also stands out for its diverse roster of fighters, who come from all over the world. ONE Championship has a strong presence in Asia and has been successful in promoting fighters from the region, but it also has a growing number of fighters from other parts of the globe.
Another unique feature of ONE Championship is its use of the circular cage, which is a departure from the standard octagonal cage used in most MMA promotions. The circular cage is said to provide a fairer and more dynamic platform for fights, and it has been well-received by fans and fighters alike.
With its commitment to martial arts values, diverse roster of fighters, and unique approach to promoting MMA, ONE Championship is definitely one of the top-rated MMA promotions in the world today.
PFL – Professional Fighters League
The Professional Fighters League, or PFL, is a relatively new MMA promotion that has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. What sets PFL apart from other promotions is its unique tournament-style format, which allows fighters to accumulate points throughout the season and compete for a million-dollar prize at the end.
One of the biggest events in PFL history was the 2019 Championship, which featured six title fights and six new millionaires. Another memorable moment was the 2018 debut season, which saw former NFL player turned MMA fighter, Greg Hardy, compete in his first professional fight.
Some of the top fighters in PFL today include two-time featherweight champion, Lance Palmer, and 2019 lightweight champion, Natan Schulte. These fighters have proven themselves to be among the top competitors in their weight class and are always exciting to watch.
If you’re looking for a unique and exciting MMA promotion to watch, PFL is definitely one to keep an eye on. The tournament-style format and million-dollar prize make it a must-watch for any MMA fan.
RIZIN Fighting Federation
RIZIN Fighting Federation is a Japanese MMA promotion that has been gaining a lot of fans for its unique style and exciting events. RIZIN was founded in 2015 by former Pride Fighting Championships president Nobuyuki Sakakibara, and has quickly become one of the top MMA promotions in Asia.
RIZIN events feature a mix of MMA bouts and kickboxing matches, as well as unique events such as grappling contests and “freak show” fights featuring fighters from different disciplines or weight classes. The promotion is known for its high production values and elaborate entrances for its fighters.
Top Fighters
RIZIN has attracted some of the top fighters from Japan and around the world. Some of the promotion’s top fighters include:
| Fighter | Notable Wins |
|---|---|
| Tenshin Nasukawa | Mayweather Exhibition, RUI Special Rules Fight |
| Kyoji Horiguchi | Bellator Bantamweight Champion, RIZIN tournaments winner |
| Kanna Asakura | RIZIN Super Atomweight Champion, DEEP Jewels Champion |
These fighters have helped to make RIZIN one of the most exciting and unpredictable MMA promotions in the world today.
Cage Warriors
Cage Warriors is a UK-based MMA promotion that has gained a reputation for hosting high-quality events featuring some of the best European fighters. Founded in 2002, Cage Warriors has been instrumental in developing the careers of many top MMA athletes, including Conor McGregor. The organization is known for its top-notch production values and exciting fight cards.
One of the most memorable moments in Cage Warriors history came in 2014, when Conor McGregor became the featherweight champion by defeating Dave Hill. McGregor went on to sign with the UFC, where he became one of the most iconic figures in MMA history.
| Top Cage Warriors Fighters | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|
| Joanna Jedrzejczyk | Former UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion |
| Molly McCann | Cage Warriors Women’s Flyweight Champion |
| Nathaniel Wood | Cage Warriors Bantamweight Champion, UFC fighter |
Cage Warriors has also been responsible for launching the careers of many other top fighters, including Dan Hardy, Michael Bisping, and Gegard Mousasi. The organization has expanded its reach in recent years, hosting events throughout Europe and even venturing into other regions such as the Middle East and North Africa.
If you’re a fan of European MMA, then Cage Warriors is definitely a promotion to keep an eye on. With a track record of producing top talent and some of the most exciting events in the sport, it’s no wonder that Cage Warriors has earned a reputation as one of the premier MMA organizations in the world.
KSW – Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki
KSW, or Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki, is a Polish MMA promotion that has quickly risen to prominence in recent years. Known for its exciting events and top-notch fighters, KSW has become a top-rated MMA promotion.
One of the unique features of KSW is its approach to promoting MMA. The promotion puts a strong emphasis on creating engaging and entertaining events that fans will remember for years to come. From the fighters’ entrances to the production value of the events themselves, KSW always puts on a show.
KSW also has a strong stable of fighters, including some of the best in Europe. Some of the promotion’s top fighters include heavyweight champion Phil De Fries, featherweight champion Salahdine Parnasse, and welterweight champion Roberto Soldic. The depth of talent on the KSW roster ensures that fans always get to see exciting and high-level fights.
Some of the most popular events in KSW history include KSW 39: Colosseum, which was held in Warsaw’s National Stadium and set a European attendance record for an MMA event, and KSW 40: Dublin, which featured a highly anticipated rematch between Mateusz Gamrot and Norman Parke.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best MMA Promotions
- What criteria were used to select the best MMA promotions?
The best MMA promotions were selected based on a combination of factors, including the quality of events and fighters, the promotion’s history and reputation, and the promotion’s overall impact on the MMA world.
- What are some of the biggest events in MMA history?
Some of the biggest events in MMA history include UFC 1, which launched the sport into the mainstream, UFC 100, which was a milestone event for the UFC, and UFC 229, which featured the highly publicized fight between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov.
- How can I watch the top MMA promotions?
The top MMA promotions can be watched through a variety of platforms, including cable and streaming services. Some of the most popular options include ESPN+, UFC Fight Pass, and DAZN.
LFA – Legacy Fighting Alliance
Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) is an American-based MMA promotion that has quickly risen to prominence in recent years. Founded in 2017, LFA has quickly become one of the premier MMA organizations in the United States. The promotion focuses on developing young and upcoming fighters, giving them a chance to showcase their skills on a big stage.
LFA has a roster full of talented fighters, many of whom have gone on to sign with bigger promotions such as the UFC. The promotion has produced some of the most exciting fights in recent memory, with a number of knockouts and submissions that have gone viral on social media.
The Best Moments in LFA History
One of the most memorable moments in LFA history occurred at LFA 20, when Thiago Moises defeated Robert Watley to become the LFA lightweight champion. The fight was a back-and-forth affair, with both fighters landing significant strikes and attempting submissions. In the end, Moises was able to secure a rear-naked choke and force Watley to tap out.
Another memorable moment in LFA history occurred at LFA 55, when Brendan Allen defeated Tim Hiley to become the LFA middleweight champion. Allen dominated the fight from start to finish, landing a variety of strikes and eventually forcing Hiley to tap out to a rear-naked choke in the second round.
Upcoming Events to Watch Out For
LFA has a number of exciting events coming up in the near future, including LFA 96 on November 20th. The event will feature a number of exciting fights, including a light-heavyweight title bout between Clayton York and Vernon Lewis. Fans can watch the event live on UFC Fight Pass.
Another event to watch out for is LFA 97 on December 4th. The event will feature a featherweight title bout between Nate Richardson and Jake Childers, as well as a lightweight clash between Arthur Estrazulas and Nick Browne. Fans can watch the event live on UFC Fight Pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are new to the world of MMA, you may have some questions about the best promotions and how to watch them. Here are some common questions and answers to help you get started.
What criteria were used to select the top 10 best MMA promotions?
The top 10 best MMA promotions were selected based on their popularity, the quality of their events, and the level of talent among their fighters. These organizations have consistently produced high-quality events and have some of the best fighters in the world.
What are some of the biggest events in MMA history?
Some of the biggest events in MMA history include UFC 205, which featured Conor McGregor winning the lightweight title, UFC 229, which had the highly publicized fight between McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov, and UFC 100, which was a milestone event in the history of the UFC.
How can I watch the top MMA promotions?
The top MMA promotions, such as the UFC and Bellator MMA, can be watched on major networks like ESPN, as well as through various streaming services like UFC Fight Pass and DAZN. Pay-per-view options are also available for major events.
Are there any up-and-coming MMA promotions to watch out for?
Yes, there are several up-and-coming MMA promotions to keep an eye on, such as ONE Championship and LFA. These organizations are gaining popularity and producing some exciting events and up-and-coming talent.
Whether you are a long-time fan or just getting into MMA, there are plenty of exciting promotions to watch and follow.
