3 Major MMA Promotions Beyond the UFC

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When they hear MMA, most fans automatically think of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, perhaps Bellator. Of course, these are the biggest and best-known MMA promotions in the USA – but there’s life beyond the UFC, especially in the rest of the world. In this article, let’s take a look at some of the biggest MMA promotions that thrive outside the US.

Extreme Fighting Championship (Africa)

Founded by the Howarth brothers (Cairo, Silas, and Calvin) in 2009, the Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) has grown from a humble event in South Africa into the largest African mixed martial arts promotion. It is the focal point of MMA betting in South Africa, organizing events across the continent.

“Promotions like Africa’s Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) and Asia’s ONE Championship showcase the depth of talent and the growing popularity of MMA outside the traditional strongholds. It’s fascinating to see how these organizations have nurtured and propelled fighters onto the world stage.” according to Katlego Modise, Sports Writer at Playcasino.co.za  

This month, the EFC reached its 110th edition, with top talents like Anthony “Big” Morel, Sylvester “Gladiator” Chipfumbu, and Igeu “Smiley” Kabesa strengthening its ranks. The UFC signed Several former EFC fighters, including Ruan Potts, Jared Vanderaa, JP Buys, and Nkazimulo Zulu.

Cage Warriors

Cage Warriors Fighting Championship (CWFC) has been around since 2001 and held its first event – Armageddon – in the summer of 2002. This event already had an impressive lineup, with fighters like Jean Silva and Matt Ewin stepping into the ring. 

Over the years, the UK-based promotion has discovered many talented fighters who made a name for themselves. Among them, we find athletes like Conor McGregor, Antonio Silva, Joe Duffy, and Dennis Silver.

Cage Warriors is among the few promotions that organize events outside their area. The CWFC has a global presence, having broadcast deals with companies like TNT Sports and Viaplay, and is featured on the UFC’s streaming service, UFC Fight Pass.

ONE Championship

ONE Asia founder Chatri Sityodtong is himself a martial artist – he has the rank of Kru in Muay Thai and a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Upon founding his promotion, he envisioned a pan-Asian sports media brand and turned his dream into reality.

ONE Championship originally focused on MMA alone, having since expanded to cover Muay Thai, kickboxing, Lethwei (Burmese boxing) and boxing as well. Since its inception, ONE has organized more than 200 events in locations ranging from Singapore to Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, and China, as well as in Japan, Vietnam, and the US. ONE Fight Night 10, which featured a fight between Demetrious Johnson and Adriano Moraes, was held at the 1stBank Center in Broomfield, Colorado, this May.

When it comes to mixed martial arts, there’s more than enough life beyond the UFC and Bellator. From Africa’s EFC to Asia’s ONE Championship, the best warriors in the world continue to keep their fans entertained all over the globe.

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