The sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a full contact combat sport that pits two beastly competitors against each other in a multitude of mixed methods that combine together with deadly force. The sport allows for the use of striking and grappling and also does not place restrictions on fighting from the ground, allowing for more freedom and depth amongst the play. Extremely complex and sophisticated, methods of fighting inclusive of MMA are boxing, Muay Thai, kickboxing, Taekwondo, Karate, Judo, Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling, to name a few, however this is only a marginal list and includes other styles as well. The sport has gained intense popularity over the past decade, particularly in the United States where sports and sporting events seem to take precedence within the nation. MMA is no stranger to this, and has become couple with the nation easily, including the popularity surrounding MMA betting, with gambling establishments quick to jump on sports, particularly popular ones.
The sport of Mixed Martial Arts can be tracked back to ancient Olympian times where it was a combat sport known as Pankration. Whilst not the same sport that it is today, it did contain the roots to the modern equivalent. Whilst maintaining limited roots to its past, the sport of MMA seemed to spring up again in the 1880’s where no-holds-barred fighting began to grow in popularity, particularly within Europe. Whilst prominent then, MMA betting had not taken off as it has done today. The sport went through a plethora of growing pains before it began to take shape in the 1990’s where the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), was formed, beginning the adaptation of the sport into a more modern and enjoyable event which has opened numerous opportunities. UFC is today the world’s largest MMA organisation.
The modern style of the game attracts a significantly large audience each and every time an event is held. Mixed Martial Arts diversity and test of skill and ability are enough to entice millions of viewers, particularly in the United States. As recently as 2011, it has been recorded by fox that they have gained 8.8 million peak viewers on their network. The popular sport gathers so much support that naturally, to bet on MMA is fired up and attracts a big following as well. As with all sports, gambling opens up a mountainous berth of opportunity for anyone who is daring and confident enough to partake in it. The added flair and intensity of the challenge really adds to the excitement of the sport itself.
Mixed Martials Arts has become a multimillion dollar franchise that has already captured some phenomenal figures, including highest paid gat at over $12 million for an UFC event that took place in Toronto. The sport has its own greats including Anderson Silva, Jon Jones and Georges St-Pierre. Each fighter brings in his own style and captivates audiences through each and every fight that is why MMA betting has become a popular occurrence, most notably because of individual brilliance and skill. Whilst there is a lot of technical know-how and concentration to focus on making accurate gambles on fighters, there is a large incentive. Much the same as the sport itself, the eternal glory lies in the victory.
