The world of MMA has been known for its raw intensity and passionate fanbase, but a new transformation, far beyond the octagon, is happening. The rise of crypto and blockchain technology is rapidly reshaping how MMA operates. From fighter compensation to fan engagement, these digital innovations are getting more integrated into the sport.
The rate at which crypto is being accepted in different industries is rapidly increasing. In 2025, at least 28% of American adults own crypto, with 14% more planning to invest before the year ends. Most of them work with Bitcoin, Ethereum and Dogecoin. With the current trajectory of Bitcoin, most investors, like Conor McGregor of UFC, follow Bitcoin price in real time to know what their next move will be.
The integration of crypto into the world of MMA is shaking things up, opening the door to fresh opportunities, partnerships and innovation. This article will look at some of the developments that are happening as the sport changes its operations in and out of the cage.
Fighter payments and financial freedom
One of the biggest issues that MMA fighters have been facing over the years is fair compensation. In fact, in 2024, a federal judge in Las Vegas accepted the petition of UFC fighters who complained that they had been underpaid between 2010 and 2017. The $375 million settlement would compensate 1000 fighters from the Le class. Enter Crypto.
Some MMA fighters have begun accepting payments in crypto like Bitcoin, Ethereum or stablecoins. This offers faster transactions, lower international fees and more financial control for athletes. Also, there is the anticipated potential future profits with experts anticipating Bitcoin to be valued over $145k by the end of 2025. On July 14, 2025, Bitcoin passed the $120k to reach an all-time high of $123k.
Some of the MMA fighters who accept paychecks in crypto include:
- UFC flyweight fighter Matheus Nicolau
- Bellator welterweight champion Rory MacDonald
- Eagle FC fighter Kevin Lee
- Jon Fitch became the First MMA fighter to be paid in Bitcoin
When asked why he wanted to be paid in crypto, Matheus Nicolau said that he was doing it for his future. The fighter said that making a US paycheck deposit into a Brazilian bank was very costly and took too much time to process. But with crypto, the process was faster and cheaper.
Fighters getting into the crypto arena
Apart from just receiving crypto paychecks, fighters are getting into investing in cryptocurrencies. For example, Conor McGregor, in a bold move, entered the market with a new meme coin called “REAL.” The MMA champion announced on his X account, on April 5, the launch of the token.
Other MMA fighters have been heard talking about cryptocurrencies and even having their own NFTs. Stars like Khamzat Chimaev and Darren Till have already created a number of NFTs. Ben Askren has also been heard in different podcasts talking about crypto.
Increased fan engagement
MMA is at the intersection of combat sports and digital transformation, and is aiming to redefine how fans experience martial arts. The franchise is creating a platform powered by blockchain technology that will feature:
- Instant rewards systems
- Live competitions
- An economy where fans, fighters and content creators are rewarded for their participation
The plan is to come up with a martial arts metaverse that is aligned with MMA’s vision of rewarding fans for their participation. Some of the features of the platform will include:
- Tokenization XP and a reward system
- Creator monetization tools
- NFT marketplaces
- Social leaderboards
- Tribe-based competitive arenas
- Immersive training tool
Another tech investment that MMA made to ensure increased fan engagement is the partnership between UFC and blockchain startup Dapper Labs. Dapper Labs creates collectibles that allow fans to purchase collectibles that focus on the UFC fighters. Just like the NBA “Top Shot” product by the same company, the UFC-focused collectibles are aimed at increasing fan engagement.
Connecting with the fighters through crypto
In 2021, a group of mixed martial arts and marketing experts came up with a platform that was designed to connect fighters and their fans. The platform, known as MMAON, gives fans and fighters an opportunity to interact in the form of a social media channel. The best thing about this digital hub is that it offers the option for fans to reward fighters. Also, fans are able to vote to decide which fighters should face each other in the ring.
Despite the MMA being very difficult and demanding, both physically and mentally, not many stars earn a lot. However, this crypto-based platform allows fans to tip their favorite fighters. Also, athletes can generate more revenue through branded merchandise and sports equipment. According to former UFC heavyweight world champion Frank Mir, this concept gives an opportunity for young fighters to be noticed.
MMAON token is used to supplement the income of fighters whenever they are not in the cage. Fans are given the opportunity to pay MMA fighters to create customized training programs for them, as well as to crowdfund to bring fights to life. Mohammed “The Hawk” Shahid (president of the BRAVE Combat Federation) is among the advisors of the platform. Fighters should also be valued.
All in all, MMA is really going digital with crypto being at the center of it. In the next couple of years, you can expect to see more involvement between the crypto and blockchain world and the octagon ring. As adoption continues to grow, the MMA world may soon look very different with more decentralization than ever before.