MMA has blown up from a scrappy underground sport to a worldwide sensation. And we've got global superstars to thank for that!

The UFC and Bellator have gone out recruiting the top international talent. Fighters from Brazil, Russia, China, Australia - you name it! No region's skill is safe from getting snatched.

These organizations know booming markets abroad translate to big bucks. International names on the roster drive massive fandom and sponsorship opportunities overseas. It's global domination, baby!

Not only do these international athletes attract huge audiences, but they also bring unique fighting styles. A clash of disciplines and cultural flair ups the excitement when duking it out in the cage. Spicy!

So whether it's Conor McGregor reppin' Ireland, Cris Cyborg unleashing Brazilian fury, or Israel Adesanya employing slick Nigerian flair, international fighters are shaping MMA's meteoric rise. The globe's best and the baddest!

Rise of International Fighters in the UFC

The UFC has tapped into a global talent pool, embracing fighters from every corner of the map. Stars like Conor McGregor have led the charge, crushing PPV records and swaying international fans to MMA.

Brazil, once the epicenter of UFC talent, has competition now. Fighters from Russia, China, Australia, and more grace the Octagon. The UFC seized this opportunity for worldwide expansion.

For markets like Ireland, McGregor's mania resulted in gigantic growth. His electric style and swagger attracted swaths of European fans. McGregor's headlining UFC cards routinely set PPV records, proving the lucrative potential of international icons.

Equally important are champions like Israel Adesanya, whose Nigerian roots and kickboxing mastery built interest in Africa. International success raises awareness globally.

Furthermore, they diversify the action itself. Karate masters Lyoto Machida and Stephen Thompson brought unique flair from Japan and the U.S.. Contenders across divisions now blend their cultural disciplines.

At UFC 193, a record 56,000 filled Melbourne's Etihad Stadium to see Australian Robert Whittaker compete. UFC 243 featured over 57,000 fans as Whittaker headlined. International fighters resonate locally, driving unprecedented business abroad.

In maximizing talent diversity, the UFC now entertains a worldwide fanbase. Globalization efforts will continue as international stars remain critical to MMA's growth.

International Talent in Bellator

As the UFC's chief competitor, Bellator MMA also recognized immense value in signing top international talent. Big-name free agents and legends have flocked to Bellator, enticed by opportunities and exposure.

Former Strikeforce champ Gegard Mousasi was a major coup, adding legitimacy and elite skills to Bellator's middleweight division. Fellow former UFC contenders like Rafael Lovato Jr. and Michael Page also leapfrogged to Bellator as rising stars.

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Yet the promotion's biggest splash came from securing Fedor Emelianenko, the legendary Russian heavyweight. Emelianenko's stint in Bellator attracted droves of new fans and media coverage globally. His US debut against Frank Mir at Bellator 198 drew over 1.5 million viewers on Paramount, a company best.

Bellator took the show abroad to capitalize on foreign stars. Events were held in Italy featuring Alessio Sakara, London to showcase hometown hero Michael Page, and Israel for Noad Lahat.

Page competed in Bellator's first Irish event against local fighter Richard Kiely, bringing UK power and personality to Dublin. The Bellator brand expanded internationally on the backs of its global roster.

Signing established names like 'Rampage' Jackson and Cris Cyborg also proved fruitful. Bellator learned from the UFC in leveraging foreign fanbases and showcasing diverse fighting styles. International talent will remain essential in growing this #2 promotion.

Catching the UFC and Bellator Action

When you want to watch the year-end UFC action or wish to see the fights of your favorite Bellator fighters, MMA-Streams has got you covered. 

MMA-Streams is popular for fans who want to watch their favorite fighters without paying for a pay-per-view service subscription.

Our website offers a variety of features, including:

• Live streams of UFC and MMA fights from around the world
• A schedule of upcoming events
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• Highlights of fights
• A blog where fans can catch the latest news and events

Conclusion 

We've seen MMA go from short time to worldwide thanks to all the dope international fighters! The UFC and Bellator got smart, scooping up talent from across the globe to excite their promotions.

It worked like a charm! Now the UFC's got Conor McGregor whipping Ireland into a frenzy. Bellator rides hype trains like Fedor out of Russia. Fans from Montreal to Tokyo are packing stadiums for top talent from abroad. Cha-ching $$$!

These organizations hit the diversity jackpot. A mixer of sick fight styles from different cultures. Karate masters, BJJ wizards, Muay Thai killers - it's a feast for fight fans!

Who doesn't love watching Israel Adesanya throw slick Nigerian striking or Cris Cyborg unleash Brazilian fury? International athletes proudly represent their roots and expand MMA's popularity beyond U.S. borders.

The takeaway? Embracing fighters from all over was a genius move. With the sport reaching all corners of the map, global talent will keep leading as MMA's stock rises!