Combat sports, at its core, is about respect and hard work. But yes... there's also a lot of money involved. Some combat sports have become so big that they're almost more business than sport. And that's not necessarily a bad thing – it ensures the sport continues to grow, that fighters can make a good living, and that we, the fans, get to see great shows.
We have listed the top 5 most commercial martial arts for you, with a wink but still serious.
1. MMA (especially through the UFC) – the absolute blockbuster
MMA is now the sport that steals the show everywhere. Turn on the UFC and you'll immediately see why: big names, big mouths, and even bigger fights. Think of McGregor cursing everyone out and Khabib who wasn't pleased at all.
Why commercial?
- Anything goes: standing, ground, kneeling, elbowing – MMA is simply complete.
- The spectacle, the marketing and global interest: the UFC sells stories as much as it sells fights.
- Money, lots of money: pay-per-views have been flying off the shelves for years.
- MMA is the complete package that fans and sponsors are excited about.
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2. Boxing – the classic that never goes away
Boxing is perhaps the first combat sport to truly become commercial. From Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson to Tyson Fury and Jake Paul, boxing has a rich history and a stable future.
Why commercial?
- The history: Boxing is in the collective memory of many combat sports enthusiasts.
- The promotions of mega-events, think: Mayweather vs. McGregor.
- Sponsorship deals and promoters: Boxing promoters know how to sell an event.
- Boxing feels familiar and remains a crowd pleaser worldwide.
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3. Kickboxing – The Netherlands and Japan in the lead roles
Kickboxing may be less global than MMA or boxing, but here in the Netherlands (and in Japan, for that matter) it's huge. Rico Verhoeven and Badr Hari are arguably even bigger superstars there than here in the Netherlands.
Why commercial?
- Hero culture: Many people (especially Dutch) see Rico almost as a national sports hero.
- Good marketing: Organizations like GLORY and K-1 make good use of this.
- Interesting sport for sponsors because of its tough and hard appearance.
- The world's number 1 sport in many countries.
Looking for kickboxing gear? Check out the entire kickboxing collection at Fight2Win.nl.
4. Pro-wrestling (WWE) – yes, scripted, but a multi-million dollar business
Okay, haters might not consider this a "real" martial art. But hey, try doing those stunts yourself without breaking anything. WWE is entertainment, but commercially, it might be the biggest and best.
Why commercial?
- Storytelling: drama, rivalry and show.
- Merchandising.
- Global Audience: From America to India, WWE is everywhere.
5. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – the silent grower
Compared to the rest, BJJ may seem small, but don't underestimate it. With tournaments like ADCC and a growing number of gyms worldwide, it's slowly becoming a commercial force.
Why commercial?
- The community feeling: BJJ is more than a sport. People call it a lifestyle.
- Merch and gear: brands like Shoyoroll turn a gi into an almost collector's item.
- Streaming and tournaments: grappling events are becoming bigger and more professional.
Conclusion
Whether you look at the UFC's multi-million dollar business, the tradition of boxing, or the local heroes of kickboxing: commerce and combat sports simply belong together. It creates packed arenas, roaring fans, and fighters who finally get paid what they deserve.
And honestly? As long as the sport itself isn't lost in all that money, we secretly don't mind at all.
