The Relationship Between Streaming and Combat Sports

Written by: Xavier Serrano🇵🇷

Photo featuring Bobby Green (Left) and Arnold Barboza Jr (Right) (via Instagram)

Mixed martial arts (MMA) continues to find ways of remaining a focal point in pop culture as popular figures in the MMA community cross over into the streaming world, exposing themselves to an unfamiliar audience.

The world of streaming has become a global juggernaut, barreling through the entertainment business as new content is churned out by the second. The influence of streaming is unlike anything the public has seen before, as its potential for brand expansion lures in big names for collaborations with other big streamers.

Mixed martial artists capitalized on the global sensation that was streaming – finding themselves sparring with popular streamers, giving live fight predictions, Q&As and more. These moments share a different side of the fighter that fans adore. 

In the past, well-known figures in MMA, such as the two-time Hall of Famer Demetrious Johnson, a former flyweight champion, and combat sports star Arman Tsarukyan have expanded their global reach beyond the eight sides of steel. Tsarukyan has commented on being recognized more for his streaming content rather than being a mixed martial artist as the Armenian fighter has developed a high-profile presence on social media. 

Johnson remains one of the earliest fighters to stream on Twitch during his legendary run as the flyweight champion.  “Mighty Mouse” began streaming in late 2015, as he streamed a variety of gameplay ranging from action games and first person shooters and RPG’s. Fans quickly gravitated towards the 125-pound-division GOAT due to the common interest.

Streaming has opened the door for mixed martial artists having an opportunity to market themselves as more than just fighters, but also as entertainers. Fighter personalities make for some of the most fascinating parts of the sport, as the athletes do their all to sell the fight to the public. Whether they engage in storybook tropes of the hero vs the villain, old vs new or two of the best finally facing off, the antics sell. 

Recently, UFC veteran Bobby Green has gained a strong amount of buzz on the internet after training with current WBO Global welterweight champion Arnold Barboza Jr. Green has maintained longevity as a professional fighter for more than 18 years. The brash fighter demands attention in any room he steps foot in with his signature tattooed head, styled beard and fan-friendly fighting style. "King Green” remains a lethal threat in the Octagon. 

Fans speculated that a resurgence in Green’s career would come as a byproduct of training with a world-class champion boxer, Barboza Jr., and sparring with professional boxer Antonio Williams. The viral moment caught major attention on social media following a stream with Adrien Broner and Deen The Great, Green shared six rounds with “Bang” Williams, besting the boxer for most of the starring session. 

These viral moments brought Green a new level of fandom as different audiences resonated with the fighter’s calming presence that contrasted with his competitive in-ring nature. The fighter continued streaming throughout his fight camp, allowing fans to see the improvements in his game.

The 40-year-old may not be able to stand the test of Father Time, especially in an unforgiving sport such as mixed martial arts. Which is why streaming serves as a reliable backup plan for retiring fighters who aren’t done entertaining the masses. For now, the world of combat sports has completely plunged into the world of streaming, delivering unpredictable moments to the world.