These documentaries provide a fascinating insight into the sport, the athletes and their journeys. From Conor McGregor’s meteoric rise to the technical aspects of promoting and training fighters, these films offer viewers an in-depth look into what makes mixed martial arts so captivating. So if you’re looking for some entertainment or a deeper understanding of the sport, check out one of these inspiring MMA documentaries! Behind the scenes or in the ring, MMA documentaries are an excellent way to learn more about the sport. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just starting out, these films offer something for everyone. They give viewers an entertaining and educational look into this thrilling and adrenaline-filled world of mixed martial arts!
All-American: The MMA Debut of Chris Weidman (2009)
Witness the incredible rise of UFC champion Chris Weidman in this captivating documentary. Join him on his journey from a young wrestler on Long Island to a powerhouse in the world of MMA, all with the guidance and support of his mentor Ray Longo. This exclusive footage from 2009 follows Weidman’s humble beginnings and showcases how he became a force to be reckoned with in the fighting world.
The Proving Grounds (2013)
Discover the secrets of becoming a champion as you step into one of the most renowned MMA training academies in the world. “The Proving Grounds” takes you behind-the-scenes of Jackson’s MMA, where owner Greg Jackson and his family have produced some of the best fighters in history. Immerse yourself in their strategies, philosophies, and challenges as they push themselves to the limit in pursuit of greatness.
The Guv’nor (2016)
Join us on a journey through the captivating life of Lenny McLean, told from the unique perspective of his son, Jamie. This feature documentary delves deep into the world of one of Britain’s most notorious bare-knuckle fighters and his rise to fame in the underworld.
Bisping (2022)
Michael Bisping’s journey to becoming the UFC Middleweight Champion is nothing short of remarkable. From his humble beginnings in Manchester, England to his rise in the world of mixed martial arts, this is a story that will inspire and captivate anyone who watches it.
Taylor McMahan: The Price of Glory (2020)
Meet Taylor McMahan – the 19 year old powerhouse who’s defying all odds as a Navy Seal hopeful and reigning champion of Stellar Fights. With determination pulsing through his veins, this young fighter has already made history by becoming the youngest champion in Stellar Fights’ storied past. But for Taylor, that’s just the beginning.
The Best Free Documentaries About MMA And UFC
1. Women’s MMA Documentary – Rose Namajunas The Journey
Namjunas is currently signed to UFC and ranked number 5 on the official pound-for-pound rankings.Mixed martial arts is full of incredible stories and journeys. In this documentary, we explore the relationship between UFC fighter Rose Namajunas and her mentor Pat Barry, both of whom have had remarkable careers in MMA. We prove that it’s not all about winning the belt but instead can be a journey to self-discovery. Follow along as we follow Rose’s story – she is currently signed with UFC and ranked number 5 on the official pound-for-pound rankings!
2. My Ultra MMA Journey
My Ultra MMA Journey offers an inspiring tale of what people can achieve when they are driven by passion and perseverance. The well-documented journey is both heartbreaking yet heartwarming as each fighter goes through his own experiences to make it in the competitive world of mixed martial arts. It’s a great film that provides insight into the unique training process that these fighters must endure in order to reach their goals.
3. A Diaz Brothers Documentary – Nick Diaz & Nate Diaz
The documentary takes a look at how the brothers overcame their hardships to become household names in mixed martial arts. It also talks about their story, backgrounds, and how they achieved success despite all odds. The next half of the documentary centers around Nate Diaz, the younger brother. This portion provides an inside look into Nate’s career and his journey from amateur fighter to one of the most popular MMA fighters on the planet.
4. The Notorious Documentary
The documentary also argues that MMA has enabled McGregor to spread his message and inspire many people who have been inspired by his story. It follows him from the opening day of his training camp, attending every practice session and meeting with fans around the world. It’s a fascinating insight into the life of an extraordinary athlete as he prepares for battle in some of UFC’s most iconic arenas. McGregor is usually full of confidence and optimism but when he faces defeat it can be hard for him to cope with disappointment, leading to self-doubt.
5. A Life of Fighting
Some cage fighters have scary eyes and overall look, but with different reasons to go on the ring. These professional warriors reflect different principles but the same goals. This documentary reveals the reality of their life, as they struggle to win and make a living through this violent sport. It also shows us that mixed martial arts is much more than just violence. It’s an art form, where fighters must strategize and rely on technique rather than strength alone. The movie follows the lives of various cage fighters as they train for, compete in, and recover from MMA fights. It provides an enlightening look into the inner workings of this intense combat sport. By getting up close and personal with these warriors, we can truly understand what it takes to become a champion in MMA. This documentary is sure to inspire viewers with its unparalleled view into the world of MMA!
6. Fight’s Masters – National Geographic
MMA Uncaged is an exciting and intense documentary that celebrates the world of MMA. It covers rare footage from different MMA events, including behind-the-scenes clips of fighters preparing for their fights. The documentary uncovers the grit and determination of these athletes, as they display extraordinary courage to fight in a dangerous sport. It also brings out the importance of discipline and dedication while training. This documentary provides great insight into the life of professional mixed martial arts fighters.
7. Fighter: Randy Couture
This documentary gives a real-life account of MMA fighter Couture’s journey to success, and it’s worth watching for anyone interested in the sport. It features interviews from people who have trained with him, as well as his family members, coaches, opponents, and sports journalists who followed his career. You’ll also get an inside look at the man himself as you watch Randy discuss everything that went into being one of the most accomplished fighters in history. This documentary is truly inspirational! Not only will viewers gain a better understanding about the competitive world of MMA but they will also learn how important it is to never give up on their dreams. Fans of combat sports should not miss this amazing story!
8. UFC – Fighting Documentary
The next on our list of the best documentaries about Mixed Martial Arts is “Ultimate Fighting Championship: A History”. This film covers from the origin of the UFC up until its present state today. It gives viewers an inside look at how things have changed over time in this incredible sport. You get to see what it was like when MMA first came onto the scene, then fast forward to the present day where it has become popularized around the world.
9. The Smashing Machine
The story of Yodsanan Sityodtong’s rise from street fighter to the world champion is a must-watch for any MMA fan. This documentary shows how he overcame poverty, addiction, and adversity to become one of the greatest Muay Thai fighters ever. It also sheds light on how he successfully transitioned to Mixed Martial Arts.
10. Fighting in the Age of Loneliness: Supercut Edition
This single two-hour MMA fighter documentary provides a bitter sweet story and even refuses to foretell the so-called “happy ending.” It highlights the lives of MMA fighters where they have discovered the most honest and pure expressions of humanity in sports. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the unforgiving, unpredictable and emotionally charged world of MMA.
11. The Perfect Storm
In July 2020, he walked away from his football career to pursue his passion for MMA. This fighting documentary spends lots of time at the fighting-focused gym and reveals that it had been calling Richards before hanging up the boots. It’s an inspiring story about how Richards honed his skills and managed to stay focus throughout the transition. It offers a unique perspective on MMA, as well as a bit of insight into the struggles many fighters face when they make such a big change in their lives.
12. The Amateur Documentary
The Amateur follows Spero’s struggles as he tries to balance his career in the octagon and his home life. It is a great film that will make any viewer realize just how hard it is for amateur fighters to make it in the world of mixed martial arts. For those looking for more than just fights, The Amateur should be on your list of must-watch MMA documentaries.
13. MMA In The Heart Of The Amazon
It recounts the story of how “Jungle Fight” was born in Manaus, Amazonas, located in the Amazon rainforest, and was founded by Wallid Ismail. It showcases the lives of the fighters and their families, as well as their struggles to make it big in the MMA world. The documentary follows prominent figures in Brazilian MMA such as Anderson Silva, Vitor Belfort, Minotauro Nogueira, Rodrigo “Minotouro” Nogueira and Wanderlei Silva. Directors João Moreira Salles and Fernando Meirelles provide an unflinching look into these fighters’ stories of triumphs and heartaches in a brutal sport that has quickly gained global popularity. This eye-opening film is sure to be of interest to any fan of martial arts or combat sports.
14. Paddy Pimblett – The Next Big Thing In The UFC
Paddy Pimblett – The Next Big Thing In The UFC | All Fights In UFC and MMA (Documentary 2022) – Paddy Pimblett is the name on everyone’s lips in the world of MMA. This documentary will look at his rise to fame and fortune, charting the journey towards becoming one of the biggest stars in the UFC. We’ll also get a glimpse into his unique style and show how he has managed to climb to the top of this prestigious sport. Full of intense training sessions, motivational talks, interviews with influential people in MMA and plenty more, this documentary promises to be an unforgettable dive into what it takes to make it as a professional fighter. It’s time for Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett – The Next Big Thing In The UFC!
15. The BRAND NEW UFC/MMA Iceberg Explained
If you want to deep dive into the iceberg of ufc and mma then this is the explainer video for you. Linked below is the original reddit post, like I said this one could do with some improvement and us as a collective can change that, so go there and lets give the original poster some love whilst giving him a chance to improve it. Thanks for watching this long video, it’s not my usual content and so if you are intrested in MMA and UFC fighters psychology breakdowns then head to my channel where you will find a growing number of videos on this topic.
16. Sugar Sean O’Malley’s EXPLOSIVE Road to the UFC Title
Sugar Sean O’Malley is one of the hottest prospects in UFC history. He’s a phenomenal striker and kickboxer with an impressive list of knockouts and performances, including Terrion Ware, Andre Soukhamthath at UFC 222, Jose Quinonez and Eddie Wineland at UFC 250, Thomas Almeida at UFC 260 and Kris Moutinho at UFC 264. Now with his close encounter with former bantamweight champion Petr Yan in the past and his no contest against Pedro Munhoz behind him, Sugar Sean O’Malley is primed for a chance to fight current 3x defending bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling for the title. Watch this documentary to follow Sugar Sean O’Malley’s EXPLOSIVE Road to the UFC Title!
