The full contact combat sport known as MMA stands for Mixed Martial Arts. It combines techniques from boxing, Maui Thai, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, and wrestling. This is a two player sport, and an automatic winner is decided by knockouts (KO), Technical knockouts (TKO) which is also considered as referee stoppage, or by a submission which is when an opponent “taps out.” If the fight goes through the whole match without an immediate win, the champion is decided by the judges using a 10-point system based on the competitor’s efforts in grappling, striking, and control.
Boxing was always on in my household growing up. I used to go with my dad to his friends’ houses to watch a boxing match. I was way too young to enjoy watching this violent sport, but eventually got used to it always being on. I am half Filipina and I grew up with my Asian side of the family idolizing Manny Pacquiao, a Filipino professional boxer. I started to look up to Pacquiao as an athlete because he represented my Filipino culture. Besides knowing only one boxer, I had no knowledge of the sport and did not care to watch it.
Recently, a few of my friends have joined Martial Arts sports and introduced me to professional MMA. Although I do not participate in this activity, I truly enjoy watching this sport and admire the fighters.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship otherwise known as UFC is an organization of the world’s premiere professional Mixed Martial Arts. It is similar to how the NBA is a basketball organization, or how the NFL is a football organization. MMA is a global network and a diverse community including athletes from all over the world. The first UFC fighter I was ever introduced to was Quillan Salkilld, a professional MMA fighter from Australia. I immediately recognized his powerful wrestling skills and his lethal kicks. The first woman fighter that I ever watched was American professional MMA fighter, Rose Namajunas. I am inspired by her and idolize her as a female athlete. I believe that it is very important to have women like her for young women like me to look up to. Female MMA fighters and athletes are very overlooked and do not get the recognition they deserve. However, more recently, I have noticed a lot of positive attention towards female UFC athletes, which is a reason why I appreciate this community very much.
Currently my favorite MMA athlete to watch is English professional fighter, Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett. During his interviews and even during matches, he shows his fun and comedic energy, gaining him popularity because of his lovable personality. After his debut at UFC Fight Night: Brunson Vs. Till on September 4th, 2021, Pimblett stated in his post-fight interview, “I’m a Scouser, we don’t get knocked out.” This quote became admired amongst fans. Very recently on January 24th, 2026, he lost his fight card in the UFC 324 against American MMA fighter, Justin Gaethje. Even though he lost, I noticed on social media that his fan base grew in followers after this fight. Many of his supporters recently have been re-stating his quote from 2021 because it still holds to be true; he has yet to be knocked out. I have observed that Pimblett’s goofy and charming persona gained him many new fans of all generations including me, who grieved his loss against Gaethje.
I am somewhat new to the Mixed Martial Arts community. There are still many amazing fighters that I am unaware of right now. UFC fights are still constantly airing until fight night in March and I will for sure try to watch many of the matches. I am excited to learn about this sport’s history. I plan on watching more MMA outside of the UFC organization and expanding my knowledge.
