While many career paths are blocked by a glass ceiling, combat sports remains one of the most accessible industries in the sports business.
And the combat sports business is BIG BUSINESS.
In 2019 alone, UFC had over $1.1 billion in revenue. Bellator another $50 million. Golden Boy Promotions, Top Rank and several other boxing promoter's cleared $100 million in 2019 revenue.
"But how is that different from any of the other major sports? There are only so many jobs at those large companies."
Good question.
These large events don't fill their cards with pro debut fighters. They only feature the best of the best from local events being put on all over the world.
While the NFL has college football as a feeder program, and the MLB has it's minor league franchises, the fight business must rely on entrepreneurs.