UFC and ONE surge into top 5 of Forbes most valuable combat sports properties

Forbes Magazine has released its latest assessment on the multi-billion-dollar combat sports industry. The top five, according to the respected business publication, features two MMA promotions, two wrestling organizations, and one boxing promtion.

UFC and ONE Championship both feature in the top five, which also includes World Wrestling Entertainment, All Elite Wrestling, and Matchroom boxing.

UFC has pioneered the meteoric rise of MMA since its inception in 1993. As such, it has long been the biggest player in the game.

The Las Vegas-based promotion now boasts an eye-watering valuation of $11.3 billion, no doubt aided by its high-profile merger with WWE.

ONE, on the other hand, has begun making inroads into the United States market, having held its first event in the country last year. It has two more U.S. events planned in September and November of this year.

With broadcast deals in place with Amazon Prime and Sky Sports, ONE’s events are now beamed into more than 190 countries worldwide.

As opposed to UFC, ONE has also made significant strides in its commitment to showcasing multiple martial arts. Its events feature top athletes from Muay Thai, kickboxing, and submission grappling, in addition to its core offering of MMA.

This broadened market reach has seen ONE’s valuation balloon to a staggering $1.3 billion, with an estimated turnover of $140 million.

Pair of professional wrestling properties feature in the Forbes top 5

In addition to UFC and ONE, WWE comes in at number two on the Forbes list, continuing its decades-long dominance of the professional wrestling sector.

The long-running promotion holds three events each week, with fans across the globe tuning in to its Raw, Smackdown, and NXT shows.

Perhaps also aided by its association with the UFC under the Endeavour umbrella, WWE is now valued at $6.8 billion. Its estimated turnover stands at $1.33 billion.

WWE’s strongest competitor sits at number three on the list.

Under heavy investment with Tony Khan at the helm, AEW has made a splash in its five years of business.

After buying longstanding indie promotion Ring of Honor in 2022, AEW has seen its valuation reach $2 billion. It also boasts an estimated revenue of $250 million.