Why is Boxing more popular than mma?

Why is boxing more popular than mma? Even in 2024, through all the ups and downs, boxing still ends up on top.

There’s a huge plethora of reasons why boxing worldwide internationally is a much bigger sport — not just Saudi Arabia and other’s recent introductions into professional boxing either.

Here’s some of why.

Let’s summarize, recap and expand a bit on that:

• More exciting sport for many aesthetically with punches and punch knockouts.
• More of an art and science in hitting and not being hit.
• A far bigger, richer history (mma is still relatively new in history).
• The biggest fighters in professional boxing get paid more.
• Boxing is finally putting on cards like the UFC now where the best fight the best.
• Professional boxing is the highest level of the sport and is growing rapidly.
• Boxing has many icons and legends like Ali, Tyson, Foreman, Frazier, Duran and much more in history in general.
• Simple format for fans to understand and follow, especially new ones, where the unified rules of boxing are standardized across continents.
• Boxing has always been tied to the music and entertainment industries not just Hollywood and music in America but worldwide. This cultural crossover always makes boxing bigger to the masses.
• Boxing’s worldwide appeal, following and reach – boxing is in both the East and the West much more than MMA.
• Boxing is not a monopoly – UFC is basically a monopoly at the top level of the sport of MMA with no real competitors. Not the case in boxing. Competition creates better products and combat sports is no different. Hence why boxing is a much bigger sport now and particularly you will see that gap grow in the years ahead.