The Growing Popularity of MMA in Asia

17 February 2025

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has been around for decades, but its rise in Asia is something that has taken the world by storm in recent years. You’re probably wondering, what’s fueling this surge in popularity? Why is MMA suddenly so big in Asia? Well, let’s dive in and take a closer look at the evolution of this adrenaline-pumping sport across the continent, how it’s capturing the hearts of millions, and why it’s showing no signs of slowing down.

MMA’s Early Days in Asia

To truly appreciate MMA’s meteoric rise in Asia, it’s crucial to understand its roots. While many associate MMA with the West, Asia has always had a deep connection to combat sports. We’re talking about centuries-old martial traditions like Muay Thai in Thailand, Karate from Japan, and Kung Fu in China. Martial arts are practically embedded in the cultural DNA of many Asian countries.

However, MMA as we know it today—combining various martial arts disciplines into one sport—started gaining traction in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Events like PRIDE Fighting Championships in Japan gave fans a taste of what modern MMA could offer, blending striking, grappling, and submission techniques from all corners of the globe. Though PRIDE eventually shut down, it laid the groundwork for MMA’s future success in Asia.

The Influence of Traditional Martial Arts

In Asia, martial arts aren’t just seen as sports—they’re viewed as a way of life, imbued with philosophy, discipline, and respect. This is why when MMA began incorporating elements of traditional Asian martial arts into its structure, it naturally resonated with the local populations.

People loved seeing their homegrown techniques—like Muay Thai clinches or Judo throws—being used in global MMA competitions. It wasn’t just about fighting; it was about representing a rich heritage on the world stage. The combination of modern MMA with the respect and tradition of ancient martial arts was a match made in heaven for Asian audiences.

The Rapid Expansion of MMA Organizations in Asia

Fast forward to the present day, and MMA is no longer an underground or niche sport in Asia. Major MMA organizations have recognized the vast potential of the Asian market and have been aggressively expanding their presence across the continent.

ONE Championship: The Asian Powerhouse

If there’s one name synonymous with MMA in Asia, it’s ONE Championship. Launched in 2011, ONE Championship has quickly grown to become the largest MMA promotion in Asia, hosting events in countries like Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The company’s success is largely due to its understanding of the Asian market and its focus on promoting not just MMA, but also traditional martial arts.

Unlike other promotions that focus heavily on trash talk and drama outside the cage, ONE Championship prides itself on values like honor, respect, and humility—values deeply ingrained in many Asian cultures. This approach has endeared the organization to fans across the region, making it a household name in a relatively short span of time.

UFC's Growing Presence in Asia

Of course, we can’t talk about the global rise of MMA without mentioning the UFC. While the UFC has its roots in the United States, its reach has expanded globally, and Asia is no exception. Over the years, the UFC has hosted numerous events in countries like Japan, South Korea, and China, attracting a growing number of fans.

The UFC’s move into Asia wasn’t gradual. They saw the potential and decided to go all-in, even opening a UFC Performance Institute in Shanghai. This state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to training and developing MMA talent in China, further establishing the UFC’s commitment to the region.

The Role of Asian Fighters in MMA’s Popularity

Another key factor driving the rise of MMA in Asia is the emergence of talented Asian fighters who have made their mark on the global stage. These fighters aren’t just competing in MMA—they’re winning, and they’re doing so in spectacular fashion.

Zhang Weili: China’s MMA Superstar

When Chinese fighter Zhang Weili won the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship in 2019, she became an instant national hero. Not only was she the first Chinese UFC champion, but her victory was also a watershed moment for MMA in China. Suddenly, MMA wasn’t just a foreign sport being played by foreign athletes—it was something that Chinese fighters could excel at too.

Zhang’s success has inspired a new generation of Chinese fighters, both men and women, to take up MMA training. It’s also brought significant media attention to the sport, with millions of Chinese fans tuning in to watch her fights and support her journey.

Shinya Aoki: Japan’s Submission Wizard

Japan has always been a hotbed for MMA talent, and Shinya Aoki is one of the country’s most well-known fighters. Known for his incredible submission skills, Aoki has competed in multiple organizations, including PRIDE, DREAM, and ONE Championship. His technical prowess and ability to pull off jaw-dropping submissions have earned him a loyal following not just in Japan, but worldwide.

Fighters like Aoki and Zhang Weili are proof that Asia is home to some of the most skilled and exciting athletes in the MMA world. Their success has played a huge role in making MMA more relatable and appealing to Asian audiences.

MMA Gyms and Training Centers on the Rise

As the popularity of MMA grows in Asia, so does the demand for places to train. In recent years, we’ve seen a huge boom in the number of MMA gyms and training centers popping up all over the continent. From Bangkok to Tokyo, aspiring fighters and fitness enthusiasts alike are flocking to these gyms to learn the art of MMA.

The Appeal of MMA as a Fitness Routine

It’s not just fighters who are getting in on the action. Many people are turning to MMA as a way to stay fit and healthy. MMA training offers a full-body workout that improves strength, endurance, flexibility, and mental toughness. Plus, it’s a lot more fun than spending hours on the treadmill, right?

In Asia, where fitness trends can catch on like wildfire, MMA has become one of the hottest ways to stay in shape. Whether it’s hitting the pads in a Muay Thai class, rolling on the mats in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or sparring in the cage, MMA training offers something for everyone.

The Role of Media and Streaming Platforms

Another factor contributing to MMA’s rise in Asia is the increasing availability of MMA content on various media and streaming platforms. In the past, fans had to rely on cable TV or live events to catch MMA fights. But today, thanks to the rise of digital media, fans can watch MMA fights on their smartphones, laptops, and smart TVs from anywhere in the world.

Social Media and MMA’s Viral Growth

Social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok have also played a massive role in the sport’s viral growth. Highlight reels of knockouts, submissions, and crazy fight moments spread like wildfire online, drawing in new fans who might not have been exposed to the sport otherwise. The ability to watch fight recaps, training videos, and fighter interviews at the click of a button has made MMA more accessible than ever before.

Streaming services dedicated to combat sports, like UFC Fight Pass and ONE Championship’s app, have further cemented MMA’s presence in Asia. With 24/7 access to live events, fight replays, and exclusive content, fans have more ways than ever to engage with the sport.

Cultural Significance and Local Heroes

It’s also worth noting the cultural significance of MMA in Asia. Many fighters from the region carry their national pride into the cage, symbolizing much more than just sport. They represent their countries, their people, and their traditions on the global stage. This nationalistic pride resonates deeply with fans, who see these fighters as local heroes.

For instance, when fighters like Manny Pacquiao (yes, he’s dabbled in combat sports outside of boxing!) or Buakaw Banchamek step into the ring or cage, they’re not just fighting for themselves—they’re representing their entire country. This sense of identity and pride has been a huge factor in MMA’s growing fanbase across Asia.

What’s Next for MMA in Asia?

So, what does the future hold for MMA in Asia? If the current trajectory is anything to go by, the sky's the limit. More fighters, more events, more fans—MMA’s growth in Asia shows no signs of slowing down.

We can expect to see even more homegrown talent emerging from countries like China, South Korea, and the Philippines, as well as increased investment from major MMA organizations. As MMA continues to capture the imagination of both fighters and fans across Asia, it’s only a matter of time before the region becomes the undisputed center of the MMA world.

A Sport That’s Here to Stay

At the end of the day, MMA’s growing popularity in Asia is no fluke. It’s a sport that combines the physicality and excitement of combat with the deep-rooted traditions of martial arts that have been a part of Asian culture for centuries. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or someone who’s just starting to get into the sport, one thing is clear—MMA is here to stay in Asia, and its future looks brighter than ever.