Arizona Emerges as a Hub for MMA with Top Fighters and Facilities

Arizona: The Emerging Powerhouse of Mixed Martial Arts

In the ever-evolving landscape of sports, few have seen as much growth in recent years as mixed martial arts (MMA). Nestled in the heart of this global phenomenon is Arizona, a state swiftly gaining recognition as a hub for MMA enthusiasts and fighters alike.

Arizona’s ascent in the MMA world is no accident; it’s fueled by a convergence of top-tier training facilities, a strong wrestling tradition from Arizona State University, and a community that passionately supports combat sports. Legendary MMA figures like Dan Severn, Cain Velasquez, and Ryan Bader began their athletic journeys here, highlighting the state’s role as a breeding ground for talent.

“Oh, it’s evolved big time, dude,” remarked Valley resident Henry Cejudo, a highly decorated athlete in combat sports, reflecting on the sport’s widespread popularity. “The sport of mixed martial arts has gone mainstream. I can’t go outside or anywhere to any part of the country, and I travel a lot all across the world.”

Henry Cejudo’s sentiments echo the broader trend observed by Mark Shapiro, president and COO of Endeavor, who noted in a 2024 conference that MMA has now joined the ranks of the “big four” sports based on viewership, surpassing even hockey.

At the core of Arizona’s MMA community is Arizona Combat Sports in Tempe. Founded in 1999, this gym has been instrumental in nurturing both amateur and professional fighters. With offerings in MMA, submission wrestling, Muay Thai, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, the gym’s mission is clear: “Build better athletes. Build better people.”

Cedric Katambwa, a Muay Thai coach and professional fighter at Arizona Combat Sports, embodies this mission. “As a coach, my job is to make sure I get people ready for fights,” he said. Katambwa, who has been with the gym for 15 years, acknowledges the growing landscape of opportunities for fighters in Arizona. “There’s a lot more opportunities now than there was whenever I started,” he noted.

Beyond Tempe, Arizona is dotted with elite gyms such as The MMA Lab in Phoenix and Fight Ready MMA in Scottsdale. These establishments have produced renowned fighters like former UFC champion Sean O’Malley and flyweight Tracy Cortez.

Amateur fighter Zac North, who trained at Arizona Combat Sports, praised the state’s MMA culture. “It’s so rewarding – it means everything,” he said of his training experience. Similarly, Marine Corps veteran Nyan Lopez found a home in Arizona’s MMA scene after joining Arizona Combat Sports. “You can count on one another. They want you to grow,” he shared.

As Arizona continues to solidify its place on the MMA map, the state’s gyms and fighters are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the sport. With a supportive community and a culture of excellence, Arizona stands as a beacon for those looking to make their mark in mixed martial arts.