MMA fights are indeed exciting and full of adrenaline rush. Fans suggest that it is one of those sports in which one cannot keep on sitting and watching the games. The roots of MMA had originated in Australia, as a crossing of multidisciplinary sports, from traditional martial arts to wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Kickboxing.

However, the enthusiastic sport found its place among the Kiwis and was recognized as a legal sport in March 2016 with a governing body in New Zealand, ‘The New Zealand Mixed Martial Arts Federation (NZMMAF).’ The NZMMAF has also issued safety protocols and laws for ensuring the safety of the fighters.

MMA fighting brought with it a positive surge in the betting industry, where Kiwis love to wager on their trusted players such as Adesanya, Hooker, etc. Moreover, the MMA players have also occupied significant status in society. Players like Adesanya have also used their stardom to stand against the evils of racism, promoted by the New Zealand bureaucracy. Check the most popular NZ fighters below:

Israel Adesanya

Israel Mobolaji Temitayo Odunayo Oluwafemi Owolabi Adesanya, commonly referred to as Israel Adesanya fighter is undoubtedly one of the most prolific MMA fighters of the era. Born on July 22, 1989, this Nigerian-born New Zealand MMA fighter is a part of the Ultimate Fighting Championship(UFC). Besides mixed martial art(MMA), he also excels in kickboxing and boxing. He is known as the ‘UFC Middleweight Champion’.

In kickboxing too, he has earned the title of ‘Glory Middleweight Championship’. Furthermore, he is professionally trained and earned the ‘purple belt’ in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In kickboxing, he holds the record of winning 75 matches, by playing a total of 80 matches, and on MMA he gained a historic 22 wins in 23 matches.

Dan Hooker

Daniel  Preston Hooker, also known as Dan Hooker was born on February 13, 1990. He is worshipped as one of the best MMA fighters of New Zealand. He was usually known as the ‘King in the Ring Middleweight Kickboxing Champion’, and ‘WKBF X-Rules Welterweight Champion.

Currently, he is a part of the ‘lightweight division’ of the UFC. In November 2021, he earned the rank of ‘No. 8 in UFC Lightweight Rankings’. IN MMA, he holds a record of getting 21 wins, out of 32 total matches played, and in kickboxing, he gained 9 wins, out of a total of 13 matches played.

Shane Young

Shane Karlarnee Young, also known as Shane Young was born on July 31, 1993. Coming of Maori descent, this excellent MMA star tries to propel the message of Maoris being part of the sports circle. This prolific MMA fighter is competing for the ‘Featherweight Division’ in the UFC. He MMA, he holds the record of winning 13 matches, out of a total of 19 matches.

How do New Zealanders Support Their MMA fighters?

The popularity of MMA surged consequently after MMA stars like Conor McGregor, and Ronda Rousey put the sport on the world map, marking its importance. Today, the Kiwis have taken MMA to a different level, where it has become the highest-grossing ‘pay-per-view’ sport. These days, the New Zealanders are extremely supportive of their MMA fighters and take care of their well-being to a great extent.

Placing bets on Kiwis

The sporting and the gambling industry share a symbiotic relationship. MMA is regarded as the most spontaneous sport, infused with the adrenaline rush, excitement, and thrill with every bout. Kiwis simply do not wish to miss out on their opportunity on placing their bets on their favourite stars. Some of the NZ bookmakers, such as Ladbrokes, Betway, Bet365, Palmerbet emerged as the favourite choices of the Kiwis.

Visiting fights

To encourage their favourite stars on the ground, Kiwis throng around the MMA cage and motivate them. This is extremely beneficial for the player too since they realize support behind them, which would motivate them to not give up at the last.

Buying Clothes with Fighters

MMA is often termed as a gladiator-like sport, involving bloodshed, amputation, etc. To a great extent, some of the players remain dysfunctional for quite some time. In such a situation, the Kiwis extend their generous support and help the fighters in buying their necessities, clothes, etc.

Conclusion

MMA fighting is indeed a much-loved spork in New Zealand. This enthusiastic sport has also turned out to be the hub of gambling, benefitting both the players and the Kiwis. Players like Adesanya have also emerged out to be the faces of the youth and has also used his stardom for the benefit of society.

While some might argue about the blood-thirsty appeal of MMA sports, they can turn their attention to esports betting. It has to be also remembered that MMA is a game of skill and talent, and currently, the New Zealand government is also taking initiatives for safer MMA fights.