Arizona Emerges as a Hub for Mixed Martial Arts: A Deep Dive into the Desert’s Combat Scene
In recent years, Arizona has blossomed into a thriving center for mixed martial arts (MMA), drawing fighters from across the globe. With an array of top-notch gyms, a robust wrestling program at Arizona State University, and a supportive community, the state has become an appealing destination for aspiring and professional fighters alike.
Henry Cejudo, a celebrated figure in combat sports, recently highlighted the rapid growth of MMA, stating, “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.” Cejudo, who resides in the Valley, announced his retirement, yet his influence on the sport endures.
Mark Shapiro, president and COO of Endeavor sports and entertainment company, remarked in 2024 that MMA has now surpassed hockey in popularity, placing it among the “big four” sports based on viewership.
Arizona State University has played a pivotal role in channeling talent into the MMA world. Its wrestling program has produced notable figures such as Dan Severn, Don Frye, and Cain Velasquez, among others. This rich history has helped cement Arizona’s status as a breeding ground for MMA athletes.
Arizona Combat Sports in Tempe is a prime example of the facilities contributing to the state’s reputation. Established in 1999, the gym offers training in various disciplines, including MMA, submission wrestling, Muay Thai, and Brazilian jiu jitsu. Its mission is to “Build better athletes. Build better people.”
Cedric Katambwa, a Muay Thai coach and professional fighter at Arizona Combat Sports, embodies this mission. With a professional record of 4-1, Katambwa has been both a coach and a fighter at the gym for over 15 years. He shared, “As a coach, my job is to make sure I get people ready for fights and to teach them the art while having a good time doing it.”
The MMA landscape in Arizona has evolved significantly, offering more opportunities for fighters than ever before. Katambwa noted, “Seems like you could almost fight every month if you wanted to now. I believe the level of competition is better.”
Beyond Tempe, the region boasts numerous other gyms that nurture high-level talent. The MMA Lab in Phoenix, Fight Ready MMA in Scottsdale, and Red Hawk Academy in Peoria are just a few examples.
Amateur fighter Zac North, who trains at Arizona Combat Sports, finds immense value in the community, stating, “Being able to get up early, get some work in with some people who also are about the grind, showing up, working hard.” Originally from Maryland, North discovered Arizona’s MMA scene while studying at ASU.
Marine Corps veteran Nyan Lopez also found his path in MMA through Arizona Combat Sports. With a blue belt in jiu jitsu and aspirations of turning professional, Lopez appreciates the supportive nature of the community. “They want you to push yourself every day, be on time, be consistent,” he said.
High-profile fighters like Sean O’Malley, who trains at Red Hawk Academy, and others continue to elevate Arizona’s MMA profile. Dyla Rush, Cejudo’s producer, emphasized Arizona’s prominence, saying, “Arizona is a hot spot for MMA. They have two of the best gyms in the country: Fight Ready MMA and Fitness … and the MMA Lab out in Glendale, Arizona.”
As MMA’s popularity continues to soar, Arizona’s role as a cornerstone of the sport seems destined to grow further, potentially seeing even more gyms and talent emerging from this desert oasis.
This article first appeared on Cronkite News and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
