| Mixed martial arts in Mexico | |
|---|---|
| Country | Mexico |
| Governing body | Federación de Artes Marciales Mixtas Equidad y Juego Limpio (FAMMEJL)[1] |
| National team | Mexico |
Mixed martial arts in Mexico became very popular in the 2000s, being one of the fastest growing sports in that country.[2][3]
Traditional martial arts, from national ones such aslucha tarahumara (Tarahumara wrestling)[4] to those from other places such asjudo, have shaped MMA in Mexico, along with other combat sports such asboxing andtaekwondo, in which the country has stood out considerably.[5][6]
According to data recorded by the websiteSherdog, one of the first MMA events held in the country wasReto Extremo 1, which took place on June 26, 1997, inMonterrey.[3] The event featured nine fights, the main event being a bout between Miguel Reyes (who would later trainDominick Cruz) and Ricardo Flores, which ended with a knockout victory for Reyes.[7]
In November 2014, theUltimate Fighting Championship (UFC) would hold its first event on Mexican soil withUFC 180 at theMexico City Arena.[8] Tickets were sold out in just 8 hours, which is a record for the venue.[9][10]
The major MMA organizations in Mexico areLUX Fight League,[11]Ultimate Warrior Challenge Mexico[12] andBudo Sento Championship.[13]
At the amateur level, TheFederación de Artes Marciales Mixtas Equidad y Juego Limpio (lit. Federation of Mixed Martial Arts Equity and Fair Play), is the main governing body for the sport of MMA and the promotion of the sport in Mexico,[1] supported and recognized by theInternational Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF). Its current president is Ubaldo Marroquin.[14]
TheUFC is the most widely watched organization, and its events are broadcast live onFox Sports on cable television; and also for theUFC Fight Pass streaming service.[15]
| Individual sports | |
|---|---|
| Team sports | |
| In international competitions | |
