Utah Martial Arts growth… Why the MMA Explosion?
There seems to have been an exmplosion in the Mixed Martial Arts space here in Utah in the last several years. The level of training available from the likes of Jeremy Horn, and the Throwdown gyms is amazing. The number of top notch fighters from Utah that consistently show up on TUF (The Ultimate Fighter) seems much higher than most other states (okay, Vegas has a lot.) The quality of the local events has reached levels that really shocked me.
So I wanted to explore some possible reasons why. Not just why is MMA gaining popularity, but why does Utah seem to produce more high quality fighters than one might expect.
A few possible reasons:
1- Health
According to the CQ Press 17th annual study for 2009 Utah was found to be the 7th healthiest state int he nation. More healthy people, more active people, higher levels of performance, better fighters.
2- Youth
According to the 2007 US Census, “Utah has the nation’s lowest median age, at 28.5 years.” An average age under 29. Healthier, younger… it starts to make sense.
3- Quality of life
Skiing anyone? Hiking? Boating? Utah, and several other tier 2 western states have seen a real influx not only of population, but of companies moving portions of their footprint. Big companies like to be able to have social well-adjusted employees. The ability to place them in cities with lower overall cost of living and great experiences is a big draw. In fact, in a Recent study commissioned by Microsoft Utah was found to be the #4 most “work from home friendly” state in the nation. Younger, healthier people, living in affordable housing, enjoying the outdoors and lifestyle, who can now get good paying jobs. Nice mix to draw from.
4- Quality of Training
Okay, so I don’t know who it was that got Jeremy Horn to come to Utah initially, but if I find out, and I meet them, I intend to hug them. Jeremy is absolutely world class. Not only that, but he has brought other world class fighters like Jenn Howe, and Matt Hughes to Utah to share their experiences (I know Matt doesn’t live here, but we’d be happy to show you some great places for sale in town Matt.) I really think that what Jeremy has started here will continue to give back to Utah for literally generations. Great talent will draw more fighters, and more trainers, and more exposure, and more money. Twenty year from now we will presenting Jeremy an award to commemorate what a financial boon his legacy has brought to us all.
Related posts:
- The best Mixed Martial Arts Utah has can be seen tonight at Horns Elite 10
- More martial arts in Utah
- Interesting data on the martial arts in Utah
- Calling for content: Martial Arts in Utah
- Utah Martial Arts website launched
I was talking to Frank, a buddy of mine who trained down at Horn’s gym, and he said that Jeremy moved out here because he was surrounded by “too much f*@#ing corn.”
Why he picked Utah to escape the corn, I have no idea. But I’m glad he did.
LOL. That’s awesome.