MMA is slowing becoming one of the most popular sports within the UK and the world after surge in recent figures.
UFC (Ultimate fighting championship) was first seen on British soil all the way back in 2003 however the reception it was shown was not promising with a mere 4,000 spectators in attendance at the Royal Albert Hall.
After this, a proposed deal with Sky Sports for the broadcasting rights collapsed causing major doubt around the sports future and whether it could sustain such poor viewing.
However, fast-forward to 2023 and fighters like Leon Edwards had brought major interest into the sport with over 17,000 fans at the O2 watching him in UFC 286.
NGMA (New Generational Martial Arts) gym are looking to further push forward the momentum that MMA has by becoming a leading place for new fighters within Southampton to train.
After their recent move from East Street in central Southampton to Hazel Road, just over the Itchen bridge, they have seen an increase in their numbers significantly.
Adam Wilson, a Ju-Jitsu blackbelt and coach from NGMA, has been at the gym for 10 years and believes that the sport is heading in the right direction and feels that the gym will benefit too.
He said: “Seeing the classes packed wall to wall with people that have seen fighters like Leon Edwards is amazing”
NGMA will be looking to encourage more people to join and train with the club, the move has allowed for the gym to now offer more equipment than ever before with two dedicated rooms for MMA and Ju-Jitsu as well as a weight lifting room and sauna.
The new attractions will be used to hopefully convince people who aren’t confident enough to try out MMA and step outside of their comfort zone.
