Mixed martial arts has come a long way from its outlawed beginnings — and former UFC champ Henry “Triple C” Cejudo says the sport is about to go global like never before.
Cejudo spoke with Babcock on TMZ Sports TV (weekdays on FS1) about the UFC’s massive $7.7 billion media rights deal with Paramount — a deal that’s turning heads and setting new benchmarks in sports business.
Cejudo’s Bold Prediction
The 38-year-old former champ-champ admitted he never imagined MMA reaching these heights.
“No, I didn’t [imagine MMA could get this big],” Cejudo said.
But now, he’s making a bold claim:
“At this point, I think the UFC, the sport of mixed martial arts, will become the biggest sport in the world in the next 10 years, maybe even 15 years.”
When asked if that includes surpassing football, Cejudo didn’t hesitate:
“Yes.”
While whether MMA will dethrone the NFL remains to be seen, there’s no denying the sport’s meteoric rise over the past three decades.
The Rise of the UFC
The UFC started in 1993, and for years it was considered controversial and borderline outlawed. That changed in 2001 when Dana White, along with Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta, bought the struggling promotion for $2 million.
- By 2016, the UFC was sold to WME for over $4 billion.
- Less than a decade later, the promotion secured the $7.7 billion Paramount media rights deal, signaling MMA’s skyrocketing mainstream popularity.
Cejudo calls this growth “a rocket ship”, and for fans, it means bigger fights, higher stakes, and more global attention than ever before.
Upcoming Mega Fights
One reason MMA’s popularity continues to surge is high-profile matchups like UFC 319, featuring:
- Middleweight champ Dricus Du Plessis
- Undefeated challenger Khamzat Chimaev
Cejudo broke down the fight, offering expert insight on how and when each fighter can win — a preview fans won’t want to miss.
What’s Next for Cejudo?
Beyond analyzing UFC 319, Cejudo also addressed the question on every fan’s mind: Will he fight again? While details are scarce, his comments hint at possible future matchups, keeping the MMA world buzzing.
Bottom Line
From near-outlaw status to billion-dollar media deals, MMA has transformed into a global sports phenomenon. With rising stars, blockbuster events, and the insight of legends like Henry Cejudo, the sport’s trajectory shows no signs of slowing. According to Triple C, the next decade could see MMA rule the sports world — and maybe even surpass football.
Do you agree with Henry Cejudo — will MMA really surpass football in the next 10-15 years? Drop your thoughts below and stay tuned to TPR for exclusive UFC updates!
