Boxing has long since cemented its spot as the most popular combat sport in the world. However, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is growing fast in many parts of the world.
The rise of mixed martial arts (MMA) has changed the combat sports landscape. But can the UFC overtake boxing in overall popularity?
The Global Popularity of Boxing
Boxing remains the world’s most popular combat sport. It has a long history and deep cultural roots in many countries. The biggest boxing events still attract millions of viewers.
Heavyweight fights featuring top names like Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk have drawn global attention in recent years. Canelo Álvarez is another major star who brings massive crowds. In countries like the UK, the US, and Mexico, boxing remains the dominant combat sport.
The sport also has a major following in Africa, including South Africa. Fighters like Kevin Lerena and Moruti Mthalane have represented the country on the world stage. Boxing’s long-standing reputation makes it difficult for any other combat sport to surpass it.
The UFC’s Rapid Growth
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has gained a huge fanbase over the past two decades. It has taken mixed martial arts from the underground to the mainstream. Star fighters like Conor McGregor and Israel Adesanya have helped grow its appeal.
One key advantage of the UFC is its structure. Unlike boxing, which has multiple governing bodies, the UFC is a single organisation. This allows it to create major fights more easily and market them effectively.
The rise of streaming services has also helped the UFC expand. With events almost every week, fans always have something to watch. Online sports betting has further increased engagement, with many fans wagering on UFC fights.
UFC’s Growth in South Africa
In South Africa, the UFC is starting to gain traction. Dricus du Plessis has become one of the country’s biggest sports stars. His UFC middleweight title win brought huge attention to the sport.
However, boxing still dominates in many communities. The sport has a long history in the country, with major figures like Jacob Matlala and Brian Mitchell. Even with du Plessis’ success, boxing remains more embedded in South African culture.
Kevin Lerena continues to keep South African boxing on the map. He has won multiple world titles and remains a major contender. While du Plessis is a star and arguably the most marketable combat athlete in the country at present, Lerena’s achievements show that boxing is still thriving.
Boxing’s Cultural Influence
Boxing has a deep cultural influence worldwide. Many great fighters have come from disadvantaged backgrounds and inspired generations. Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, and Manny Pacquiao are just a few examples.
In many communities, boxing is more than just a sport. It is a way out of poverty and a path to success. This is especially true in countries like the Philippines, Mexico, and South Africa.
The sport’s history in the Olympics also plays a role. Many top professionals started in amateur boxing before turning pro. This system helps keep boxing relevant even as new combat sports rise.
UFC’s Challenges in Overtaking Boxing
Despite its rapid growth, the UFC still faces challenges in surpassing boxing. One key issue is global reach. While the UFC is strong in the US, some regions still prefer traditional boxing.
Another challenge is fighter pay. UFC fighters often earn less than top boxers. This has led to some stars, like Francis Ngannou, leaving for boxing matches with bigger payouts.
Additionally, boxing has stronger grassroots development. Many countries have well-established amateur boxing systems. The UFC, by contrast, relies more on independent MMA gyms.
Conclusion
Boxing is still the most popular combat sport worldwide. It has a rich history, deep cultural roots, and a strong professional and amateur structure. The biggest boxing events continue to attract huge global audiences.
However, the UFC is growing fast. In countries like South Africa, stars like Dricus du Plessis are bringing more attention to MMA. But even there, boxing remains deeply embedded in local culture.
While the UFC’s rise is undeniable, boxing’s dominance is not over yet. The battle for the top combat sport continues, but for now, boxing holds the edge.
