The Return of Combate Global
Combate Global is once again shaking up the MMA world. The U.S.-based and Mexico-centered promotion has partnered with EndemolShine Boomdog, part of Banijay Americas, while completing a major shift from traditional television to full digital distribution.
Only seven months and five events after betting big on YouTube, the promotion has already logged over 5.2 million minutes of live action watched and more than 3 million impressions.
This digital leap followed six successful years on TelevisaUnivision, where in 2023 Combate Global delivered more than one billion minutes of content. During that run, the promotion even outperformed the UFC at times and regularly topped established sports like MLB, NASCAR, the Premier League, and the NHL.
Adding to that momentum, Combate Global made history on June 8 with its first-ever “COMBATE Female” MMA event, which drew 639,000 P2+ viewers on Univision and 277,000 in the coveted A18-49 demo—beating both Top Rank Boxing (572,000) and the UFC airing the same night. Also broadcast on Fuse, the groundbreaking card showcased rising stars such as undefeated Melissa “Mamba” Amaya and Regina “Kill Bill” Tarin, underscoring the surging influence of women’s sports amid the rise of leagues like the WNBA and NWSL.
Building a Young and Diverse Audience
The promotion’s growth has been nothing short of remarkable. In 2023, it reached a peak of 1.3 million viewers for a single broadcast. It also secured the youngest average audience in MMA. Even more impressive, nearly half of its fans were women—49 percent, a record unmatched by any major MMA promotion.
This momentum earned Combate Global recognition as the fastest-growing sports property in the U.S. In 2024, Forbes ranked it among the ten most valuable combat sports organizations worldwide.
CEO Campbell McLaren, who co-founded the UFC in 1993, explained the bold shift: “To keep growing globally and connect with young MMA fans, digital distribution was the next step.”
A Powerful Alliance with EndemolShine
Partnering with EndemolShine marks a homecoming for Combate Global. Before the pandemic, it staged 22 live events across six Mexican markets. Now, with EndemolShine—the top producer in Latin America—the brand is set to elevate production value and deliver world-class fight cards once again.
The upcoming Mexico City event features three men’s bouts and two women’s bouts. Fighters are already rallying support on social media, posting patriotic messages for their home countries.
Fighting for Nation and Identity
McLaren emphasizes the promotion’s unique model: “Everyone understands fighting for their country. That passion drives sports like soccer, and it’s why Combate embraced this format. It sparks emotion, draws in fans, and makes us stand out.”
With its digital expansion, landmark partnership, and return to Mexico City, Combate Global proves it is not only surviving—it is thriving and redefining the future of MMA.
