Is MMA popular in California?
MMA: A Cornucopia of Arts Brought to Life by Movement
The abbreviation for Mixed Martial Arts is MMA. This fighting style is one of the most popular throughout the world. It is essentially a combination of a number of other fighting techniques, and during competitions, there are a few limitations placed on the type of martial arts a competitor may employ. It doesn’t matter if you practice Muay Thai, Krav Maga, Karate, or Jiu Jitsu—the only thing that matters is how effectively you can utilize any of these individual forms.
MMA is associated with a number of well-known celebrities, such as well-known actor Frank Grillo, MMA legend and current UFC president Dana White, and the heavyweight Georges St. Pierre, who may be most recognized for his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Batroc. Multiple people have referred to mixed martial arts as an art form rather than the aggregate of its many components. Over the course of its history, mixed martial arts has amassed a significant following not just in the United States of America but also across the globe, particularly in Asia, particularly in Thailand, and Japan.
Even though it is a fusion of many other forms, mixed martial arts is considered to be its own form of a martial art because of its widespread popularity and prominence as one of the most prominent fighting-based sports on a global scale.
This comes from the fluidity of the use of different moves from different styles in each fight. One of the many places in which MMA is extremely popular is the golden coast of California, which is rife with sports enthusiasts all around the state. But where does MMA’s popularity within the golden state of California stem from, and to which lengths does it reach?
MMA, California, and Sports Betting
When it comes to sports betting and MMA, the market is one of the most competitive. While the market is wide, a number of states, such as California outlaw the practice of betting and wagering on sports with exceptions made for lotteries, pari-mutuel wagering, and bingo. For one to make bets on MMA within the state of California, the best bet would be through the use of offshore betting sites. Some of the best sports betting sites in California are actually offshore ones. As a result, a number of California residents still utilize these sites to be able to make bets on a sport that they love.
What fuels the Love for MMA?
A number of scholars and intellectuals have linked the public’s love for MMA, to its overall raw and almost unregulated feel. There is a mix of fighting styles, and each style can be extremely brutal in the context of an MMA fight, as one opponent fighting against another of a different fighting style will be extremely different from one fighting another of the same style. One style may be a bit more brutal than the other, and while fights are still regulated and to the death, it is something that is rawer, and this is what draws people to MMA.
MMA is a high-octane sport, one of the most high-octane that there is, and this is what essentially draws people to it. People inherently love to watch high-stakes games, football and formula one being similar examples, as it taps into that part of the brain that fuels excitement. And with a number of leagues and events, such as the September 23rd fight between Tom O’Connor and Tim Smith.
MMA’s current prevalence in California
Throughout the entire state of California, the influence of MMA has reached a high degree. There are currently a whopping 671 mixed martial arts gyms scattered all throughout the state, which essentially draws more and more students, of all ages to the sport.
Something which must be noted as well is the demographic of California citizens who have an affinity for fighting. A number of cities in California, most notably San Diego have a strong fighting community, with San Diego particularly having a strong Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Following.
California is also home to a number of MMA leagues. UFC hosts fight in Los Angeles and San Diego. Despite San Diego having a fighting league.
Irish-owned Cage Warriors is a UK-based MMA promotion. San Diego acts as the promotion’s U.S. headquarters. Cage Warriors conducted their inaugural battle in San Diego in 2021, making use of the city’s big pool of combatants.
San Diego’s MMA and BJJ communities are big, yet their skill is underutilized. With Cage Warriors, that may change. Despite it not being as prevalent as the UFC, Cage Warriors isn’t merely a second-tier promotion. It’s a UFC talent accelerator. Since Cage Warriors start in San Diego, more than 100 competitors have appeared on UFC cards.
Conclusion
The Sport of MMA is one of the most well-renowned martial arts in the world. From the big names which have come out of it, to the raw, brutal fights it portrays, to the immense amount of leagues it offers, it is no wonder that it holds such popularity. In a state where fighting culture is so prevalent, it is no wonder that MMA managers and fighters have taken advantage of this culture to promote MMA even further.
