KUCHING: Malaysia’s mixed martial arts (MMA) scene may appear quieter post-COVID, but according to former professional fighter and Confident Martial Arts owner, Peter Hugh Davis, the sport is now more visible and more commercially viable than ever.
“Before COVID, we had a whole bunch of Malaysian fighters who were up and coming – Gianni Subba, Agilan Thani, Keanu Subba, Saiful Merican. I was fighting too.
“But during and after the pandemic, it all kind of dropped off.
“I still have one fight left on my contract that I may never do, and that’s fine,” Peter told Sarawak Tribune on Saturday at Pikabol Malaysia, Jalan Pending.
With fewer high-profile MMA events being held locally, especially under the ONE Championship banner, Peter believes the sport has taken a broader and more strategic direction.
He pointed to ONE Championship as a key driver of change in the region’s combat sports landscape.
While the promotion once regularly staged MMA events in Malaysia, it has since evolved into a more diverse platform, blending MMA with Muay Thai and kickboxing and according to Peter, this shift is deliberate.
Despite the decline in live events in Malaysia, Peter highlights a surge in online viewership and global engagement as proof that the sport is still thriving, just in a different form.
“There are a lot more spectators who can enjoy the sport now. So although we don’t see as much of it physically happening in Malaysia, you see it on television.
“It’s always being advertised, always popping up on Instagram, it’s everywhere in the feed, and that’s because it’s now widely accepted,” he said.
Peter believes this digital shift has transformed how fight promotions operate, with sponsorship, not ticket sales, now driving the business.
“The whole landscape has changed. It’s not about putting bums in seats any more. That’s great, but that’s a secondary thing. The money comes from sponsors, the ones who actually have the budget.
“Not small piecemeal payments, but one big lump sum that you can plan around. It’s just much easier,” he added.
