A new path to watch professional fights, you seek? Beyond the confines of the UFC Octagon, much excitement lies. From the rings of K-1 to the cage of Bellator, there is something for every fan of professional fighting.
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1. Bellator MMA
Bellator MMA is an American mixed martial arts promotion company founded in 2008. They are one of the largest MMA organizations in the world and have hosted many high-profile events and fights.
Ryan Bader, Douglas Lima, Michael Chandler, Fedor Emelianenko, Rory MacDonald, Gegard Mousasi, Patricio Freire, and Lyoto Machida – Bellator MMA is the home to some of the best MMA fighters in the world.
Where to Watch Bellator MMA?
Bellator’s events are broadcast globally on various television networks. You can watch their fights and other video content online through the official Bellator website, as well as through streaming services such as DAZN.
Bellator events tend to take place in prime time for fans to watch in the United States – which translates to the early hours of the morning (1 – 3 am) for fans in the Europe and 8 – 10 am for viewers in Asia.
Top 10 BELLATOR MMA Prelim Moments of 2022
Fun Facts
- Bellator was the first MMA organization to partner with DAZN, the world’s largest dedicated live and on-demand sports streaming service.
- Bellator has a unique tournament format, where fighters compete in a bracket-style tournament to determine the #1 contender in each weight class.
- The company’s name “Bellator” is Latin for “warrior” or “fighter”.
2. K-1
K-1 is a Japanese kickboxing organization that was established in 1993. K-1 events are known for their high-energy atmosphere with music, lights, and fireworks presentation – making them a thrilling spectacle to watch. Some of the notable kickboxing fighters who have competed in K-1 include Peter Aerts, Remy Bonjasky, Alistair Overeem, and Semmy Schilt.
In its history, K-1 has seen some significant events such as the rise of the “Dutch K-1 Army” in the late 1990s and early 2000s; as well as the historic K-1 World Grand Prix quarter-final in 2004, where Remy Bonjasky defeated Ernesto Hoost in a memorable match.
Where to Watch K-1 Fights?
You can watch K-1 events online through their official website, as well as through streaming services such as DAZN and Official YouTube Channel.
K-1 KO Highlights in the 90’s
Fun facts about K-1
- K-1 is one of the largest kickboxing organizations in the world and has held events in numerous countries, including Japan, the Netherlands, and the United States.
- The K-1 World Grand Prix, which was held annually from 1993 to 2012, was the premier event in the K-1 calendar, featuring the best kickboxers from around the world.
3. ONE Championship
The ONE Championship organization is founded in 2011 by entrepreneur Chatri Sityodtong. Based in Singapore, the company offers one of, if not the, largest MMA shows in Asia.
In 2014, it hosted its first-ever world championship event in Yangon, Myanmar, featuring a main event between ONE Welterweight World Champion Nobutatsu Suzuki and challenger Adam Kayoom.
Where to Watch ONE Championship?
You can watch ONE Championship events online through their official website, as well as through streaming services such as B/R Live, Turner Sports, Star Sports, and YouTube.
ONE Championship’s 35 Most Unforgettable Finishes
Fun Facts
Here are two fun facts about ONE Championship:
- ONE Championship is known for its focus on elevating Asian martial arts.
- ONE Championship has partnerships with some of the biggest names in sports / entertainment such as the NBA and Disney.
4. Cage Warriors
Having its headquarter based in the United Kindom, Irish-owned Cage Warriors has been around since 2001. The organization staged its first MMA event, titled “Armageddon”, in London in July 2002.
The fighting platform is well-known for launching the careers of several UFC champions – including Michael Bisping, Joanna Jedrzejczyk, and Conor McGregor.
Where to Watch Cage Warriors?
Cage Warriors events are broadcast on various television networks, including UFC Fight Pass, Viasat, Canal+, BT Sport, and are available to watch in over 100 countries. You can watch Cage Warriors events online through their official website, as well as through streaming services such as UFC Fight Pass and YouTube.
Fun Fact
- Cage Warriors has a unique format for its title fights, featuring five 5-minute rounds instead of the traditional three 5-minute rounds in MMA.
- Conor McGregor – the former two-division Cage Warriors, and UFC champion is the highest-paid MMA fighter to date, bagging more than $20 million in his fight career.
5. Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki (KSW)
KSW (Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki) is a Polish MMA organization founded in 2004. The organization has held numerous events in Poland and other European countries.
KSW is often recognized for its unique entrances; and diverse range of fighter weight classes, which include everything from light to feather-weight and everything in between.
Where to Watch KSW Events?
KSW events can be watched online through various platforms, including the official online platform KSW TV, pay-per-view (PPV) broadcasts, online streaming platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch, and on TV in certain countries.
Fun Facts about KSW
- Martin Lewandowski was the manager of the Hotel Marriott in Warsaw when he met Maciej Kawulski in 2002. They co-founded the MMA show 18 months later (source).
6. M-1 Global
Founded in 1997, the Russian-based M-1 Global is one of the oldest organizations in MMA space. The organization is known for being one of the first MMA competitions and has produced many talented fighters who have gone on to compete in top organizations around the world, including the UFC and Bellator.
In addition to its events, M-1 Global also operates a highly regarded training and development program, providing aspiring fighters with the tools and training they need to succeed in the sport.
Where to Watch M-1 Global?
M-1 Global events are broadcast on various television networks, including Match TV, DAZN, and Bellator MMA, and are available to watch in over 60 countries.
Fun Facts
- M-1 Global was one of the first organizations to bring the sport of mixed martial arts to Russia and the former Soviet Union.
- M-1 Global covers a wide scope of different fighting styles, including MMA, boxing, kickboxing, as well as grappling and wrestling matches.
That’s a Wrap!
To recap, here are the seven UFC alternatives we recommend.
| Organization | Origin Country | Year of Establishment | Where to Watch | Official Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bellator MMA | United States | 1997 | DAZN, Bellator.com, and various television networks | bellatormma.com |
| K-1 | Japan | 1993 | Sky Sports, DAZN, and various television networks | k-1world.com |
| ONE Championship | Singapore | 2011 | ONE Championship app, Turner Sports, and various television networks | onefc.com |
| Cage Warriors | United Kingdom | 2010 | CageWarriors.com, UFC Fight Pass, and various television networks | cagewarriors.com |
| KSW | Poland | 2004 | Polsat, Eleven Sports, DAZN, and various television networks | kswmma.com |
| M-1 Global | Russia | 1997 | Match TV, DAZN, and various television networks | m-1global.com |
Don’t get me wrong – UFC is great. However, the world of professional fighting offers a smorgasbord of options. If you have always been watching UFC and nothing else – it’s time to explore all that the sport has to offer. Don’t be a one-trick-Octagon-pony! Expand your horizons and taste the full menu of professional MMA fighting.
