How Popular is UFC in Middle East?

[Mesos]

I know that Wrestling is very respected over there since ancient times and Khabib is becoming more well known as a fighter.

But how popular is UFC/MMA over there? Is it watched by alot of people? Or is more niche like how mma was here in the early 2000’s? Is there an amateur system/other feeder leagues?

 

[StoooV2]

Quite popular

 

[smooth assassin]

They have an org called desert force (I think that’s the name) truth be told I think it’s a little too new for them to have any top fighters fighting out of the Middle East, but you can tell that the fighters are hungry to learn

 

[FrenchHeavyWeight]

like in europe

 

[Rorschachxx]

With Khabib and other names from the caucasus making waves together with BJJ in Abu Dhabi there is no doubt MMA is growing by leaps and bounds. You already have some hot talent coming from many parts of the arab world. Lazzez for example might legit put the arabs on the map in MMA.

 

[Raffen]

Wrestling is not popular in the middle east. Soccer is the only sport that is.

 

[Deleted member 510653]

Huge

 

[Post 2 Decision]

MMA is niche everywhere lol

It's just a little more popular in Murica

 

[codfather]

MMA is niche everywhere lol

It's just a little more popular in Murica

I'd imagine it's pretty much mainstream in Ireland and Canada.

 

[HuskySamoan]

Wrestling is not popular in the middle east. Soccer is the only sport that is.

Wrestling is popular only in some Middle Eastern areas, Iran is the big one. Central Asia like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan its big too and Turkey I believe.

 

[Post 2 Decision]

I'd imagine it's pretty much mainstream in Ireland and Canada.

I mean it's on TV here in Canada but it's still very niche, it's not something that many sports fans know anything about

 

[Zarate]

According to the mainstream media in Turkey Khabib is a famous Boxer.

There's your answer.

 

[gspfedkobe24]

Wrestling is not popular in the middle east. Soccer is the only sport that is.

You are crazy if you dont think people in middle east love wrestling.......

 

[MikeyB]

I'd imagine it's pretty much mainstream in Ireland and Canada.

Why Canada? All they know is hockey, maple syrup and mounted police eh

 

[tramendous]

I know that Wrestling is very respected over there since ancient times and Khabib is becoming more well known as a fighter.

But how popular is UFC/MMA over there? Is it watched by alot of people? Or is more niche like how mma was here in the early 2000’s? Is there an amateur system/other feeder leagues?

Not sure about Middle East but my uncle in Afghanistan was a fan. He had a satellite that got him BT sport so all the events were free. They called the sport 'Fight' lol.

 

[websurfer]

I mean it's on TV here in Canada but it's still very niche, it's not something that many sports fans know anything about

Yes, Rory McDonald leaving was a big blow for us Canadians.

At least GSP vs Khabib is in the cards.

 

[imbossing]

Not sure about Middle East but my uncle in Afghanistan was a fan. He had a satellite that got him BT sport so all the events were free. They called the sport 'Fight' lol.

Singa ye ?

 

[tramendous]

Singa ye ?

Khe yam wrora. Te singa ye? Te Afghan ye?

 

[ff]

before Khabib knows what MMA is now few know who Khabib is there isa rumor that Roy Nelson undefeted with 57 wins it is an inspirational because he is fat & that what made it spread

*i'm talking about Saudi Arabia

 

[Bowel-forged Stool]

Desert Gods 2: Sand Never Sleeps was one of my favorite cards of all time. I think it was put on by Mubarak and Gaddafi