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UFC vs Boxing Popularity 2024: MMA’s Rise to Overtake in Pay-Per-View Sales
- Austin Jones
- Nov 6, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Apr 6
Boxing’s rich history is undeniable, with moments like the “Rumble in the Jungle” and the Tyson Fury-Deontay Wilder trilogy cementing its status as a staple of combat sports. However, in recent years, MMA—and especially the UFC—has gained unprecedented traction, generating record-breaking PPV events and cultivating a global fanbase. The UFC holds approximately 40 events annually, reaching more than 900 million households on television across over 170 countries. With an average viewership of 509,000 per event, MMA is edging closer to dethroning boxing, not only in popularity but also in PPV sales, highlighting the competitive nature of the fight game.
The Evolution of Combat Sports
Combat sports have undergone significant transformations over the years, with the rise of mixed martial arts (MMA) being a notable example. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has played a pivotal role in popularizing MMA, with its first event taking place in 1993. Since then, mixed martial arts MMA has evolved into a global phenomenon, with various promotions and organizations emerging to cater to the growing demand.
The evolution of combat sports has also led to the development of new fighting styles, with many professional fighters incorporating techniques from different martial arts disciplines into their arsenal. This blend of striking, grappling, and submission techniques has made MMA one of the most dynamic and exciting combat sports to watch.
The rise of MMA has also led to increased recognition for other combat sports, such as boxing and Muay Thai, with many fighters crossing over between disciplines. This cross-pollination of fighting styles has enriched the sport, making it more appealing to a broader audience.
The growth of combat sports has also led to increased investment in the industry, with many promotions and organizations investing heavily in marketing and event production. The UFC, for instance, has become a powerhouse in the sports world, with its events drawing millions of viewers worldwide.
The evolution of combat sports has also led to changes in the way fights are promoted and marketed, with social media playing a significant role in reaching new audiences. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter have allowed fighters to build personal brands and connect with fans on a more personal level, further driving the sport’s popularity.
The Historical Dominance of Boxing
For decades, boxing has been synonymous with some of the most iconic PPV events in sports. Fights like Evander Holyfield vs. Mike Tyson and Mayweather vs. Pacquiao attracted millions of viewers, with the latter setting a record of 4.4 million PPV buys and grossing over $400 million. Legends such as Floyd Mayweather and Mike Tyson have dominated the PPV arena, blending talent, marketing, and media coverage to captivate audiences worldwide. Additionally, modern boxing stars like Canelo Alvarez and Anthony Joshua have been listed among the highest-paid athletes by Forbes, showcasing the sport's enduring financial appeal.
The Rapid Growth of UFC Events and MMA
The UFC has redefined combat sports promotion with its star-studded events and high-stakes matchups. Known for pairing top contenders, the UFC often sidesteps the political issues that can delay major boxing bouts, delivering fan-demanded fights faster. This approach, championed by UFC President Dana White, has led to blockbuster events that rival boxing’s biggest nights. Conor McGregor’s fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov, for instance, attracted 2.4 million PPV buys and grossed $180 million, setting a new benchmark for the UFC.
In 2023, the UFC netted a record $1.3 billion in revenue, a 13% increase from 2022. Jon Jones, recognized as one of the top draws in the UFC, has contributed significantly to the organization's success with his unmatched career achievements. Moreover, McGregor’s crossover bout with Mayweather generated an astounding 4.3 million PPVs, showing that MMA fighters can pull in numbers comparable to boxing’s best. Many UFC fighters have sought to maximize their earnings outside of the UFC due to previous income restrictions. The merger of UFC and WWE created TKO Holdings, increasing the organizations’ value and further solidifying their dominance in the combat sports industry. Additionally, the Professional Fighters League (PFL) acquired Bellator, strengthening its competitive positioning against the UFC.
Star Power and Social Media Influence
Today’s MMA stars, particularly UFC fighters, are media-savvy and know how to harness their personalities to build a following. Ryan Garcia, a significant figure in boxing, is known for his high commercial appeal and relevance in current boxing narratives. Fighters like Conor McGregor, Israel Adesanya, and Sean O’Malley engage fans on social media with bold, sometimes controversial statements that skyrocket their appeal. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have allowed the UFC to attract a younger audience to the sport.
Social media engagement directly impacts PPV sales, with fans more likely to buy events featuring fighters they connect with online. McGregor, whose charismatic trash talk and knockout power catapulted him into the limelight, has become a household name, achieving crossover success that even elite boxers struggle to match. However, it’s worth noting that 70-78% of injuries across combat sports, including MMA, occur during training, underscoring the physical toll athletes endure outside of competition. Additionally, 61.2% of UFC fighters worry about potential long-term brain damage from their careers, highlighting the risks associated with the sport.
Comparing PPV Giants: Boxing vs. MMA
The numbers tell an interesting story. Boxing still holds the highest-grossing PPV of all time with Mayweather vs. Pacquiao, but MMA has rapidly gained ground. Recent UFC events featuring fighters like McGregor and Nurmagomedov have drawn close to boxing’s top fights, with each passing year narrowing the gap.
Notably, only seven deaths have occurred in sanctioned MMA bouts compared to over 1,000 deaths in boxing history—a stark contrast that may influence fans' and fighters' preferences. Additionally, 7.1% of boxers experience knockouts or loss of consciousness, which is higher than MMA fighters at 4.2%, further highlighting the differences in safety between the two sports.
The Mayweather vs. McGregor crossover event, which generated 4.3 million PPVs, is a testament to how powerful this synergy can be. Tyson Fury's controversial boxing match against former UFC champ Francis Ngannou drew significant attention to crossover events, further showcasing the growing interest in blending the two sports.
The Impact of MMA’s Growth on Boxing
The growth of MMA has had a significant impact on the boxing industry, with many top fighters now competing in MMA. The rise of MMA has led to increased competition for boxing, with many fans now opting to watch MMA events instead of traditional boxing matches.
This shift in viewership has prompted boxing promoters to rethink their strategies. Many have started incorporating MMA-style elements into their events to attract a younger, more diverse audience. The flashy entrances, high-energy promotions, and social media engagement seen in MMA events are now becoming more common in boxing.
The rise of MMA has also led to increased recognition for boxing, with many MMA fighters now competing in boxing matches. High-profile crossover events, such as Conor McGregor’s boxing match against Floyd Mayweather, have drawn significant attention and showcased the potential for synergy between the two sports.
The growth of MMA has also led to increased investment in the boxing industry, with many promoters now investing heavily in marketing and event production. This influx of capital has helped rejuvenate boxing, bringing in new talent and creating more exciting matchups.
The impact of MMA’s growth on boxing has also led to changes in the way fights are structured. Many promoters are now opting for more MMA-style events, with multiple high-stakes fights on a single card, shorter undercards, and a focus on delivering thrilling, action-packed bouts.
Finally, the growth of MMA has also led to increased opportunities for fighters from around the world. Promoters are now holding events in different regions, from the Middle East to Asia, providing a global platform for fighters to showcase their skills and gain international recognition.
By embracing these changes, boxing can continue to thrive alongside MMA, offering fans a diverse array of combat sports entertainment.
Why MMA Fighting Styles Appeal to Modern Fans
MMA’s appeal lies in its fast pace and the variety of fighting styles on display. Fans enjoy the unpredictability of a fight that can end with a knockout, a submission, or an impressive display of athleticism across multiple rounds. 28-46% of MMA fights end in knockout or technical knockout, adding to the sport's excitement.
Boxing is sometimes criticized for being too traditional, with lengthy undercards and bouts that don’t always deliver the excitement of a high-stakes MMA fight. MMA events, in contrast, have multiple main-card fights offering a mix of striking, grappling, and other combat disciplines, leading to thrilling upsets and unexpected finishes.
Additionally, boxing is associated with significantly more head trauma than MMA, with 84% of head and neck injuries occurring in boxing compared to 64% in MMA. This difference in injury rates may further explain MMA’s growing appeal, particularly among athletes concerned about long-term health.
The Business Model: UFC vs. Boxing Promotions
Another key factor in MMA's rise is its centralized business model. Unlike boxing, which has multiple promoters such as Top Rank, Matchroom, and PBC negotiating separate deals, the UFC operates under one banner, making fight matchmaking seamless.
Fighter pay disparities have been a major topic of debate in both sports. While top boxing stars can earn massive purses, lower-tier boxers struggle financially. The UFC, on the other hand, ensures consistent earnings for most of its roster, albeit with ongoing discussions about increasing fighter pay.
The Future of Combat Sports: Boxing’s Legacy vs. MMA’s Momentum
As MMA continues its upward trajectory, it’s clear that the sport is poised for even greater success. While boxing has the advantage of legacy, MMA’s growth in popularity and PPV sales demonstrates that the tide may be shifting. The explosive events, vibrant personalities, and global reach of MMA are positioning it as a sport for the new era.
The question isn’t if MMA will overtake boxing; it’s when. As UFC events draw closer to the PPV numbers traditionally dominated by boxing, it’s likely only a matter of time before MMA becomes the world’s premier combat sport. And with the possibility of more crossover events between top MMA fighters and boxers, fans can look forward to a new era of thrilling matchups that continue to push the boundaries of combat sports entertainment.
ween top MMA fighters and boxers, fans can look forward to a new era of thrilling matchups that continue to push the boundaries of combat sports entertainment.