Mixed martial arts (MMA) has evolved from a niche combat sport into a global entertainment powerhouse. While early growth was largely driven by North American and Brazilian influence, the last decade has seen a surge in foreign investment that has reshaped the sport’s business model, performance standards, and worldwide reach. From billion-dollar acquisitions to the rise of international promotions, foreign capital has fundamentally changed what MMA looks like today.
A New Era of Global Ownership
One of the clearest indicators of change came in 2016, when the UFC was purchased by a consortium led by the US-based entertainment group Endeavour but heavily backed by significant overseas investment.