Over the past decade, men’s interest in sports has evolved. While traditional options like football, basketball, and baseball still have their place, more and more men are exploring different paths. Today, sports like mixed martial arts (MMA) and paddle tennis are rising fast. These once-niche activities have found new audiences, new athletes, and strong cultural momentum. It’s no wonder both are now counted among the fastest growing sports for men.
But why are men turning to these sports in such large numbers? The answers go deeper than just wanting something new. From physical benefits to community and lifestyle, there are multiple reasons why MMA and paddle tennis are capturing attention. Let’s explore what’s driving this shift.
The New Age of Sports for Men
In the past, the phrase “men’s sports” often pointed to large stadiums, team rivalries, and legacy traditions. Today, the scene is changing. Many men are stepping away from passive viewership and seeking activities that:
Challenge them physically
Fit flexible schedules
Offer personal growth
Bring social connection
As a result, the fastest growing sports for men are often ones that feel personal and meaningful. MMA and paddle tennis fit perfectly into this new mindset. They’re competitive, highly physical, yet flexible enough to be practiced in different environments.
MMA: From Fringe to Mainstream
Explosive Growth Through Entertainment
Mixed Martial Arts used to be viewed as extreme or even dangerous. But over the last two decades, promotions like the UFC have made it a global powerhouse. Betting sites have started to specialize in the sport, and the rise of fighters like Conor McGregor, Israel Adesanya, and Sean O’Malley brought flashy style, drama, and skill to center stage.
MMA isn’t just a fight sport anymore. It’s one of the fastest growing sports for men, with millions tuning in, training, or joining amateur leagues. From Brazil to the U.S., local gyms are filled with men of all ages learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and wrestling.
Physical and Mental Benefits
What makes MMA special is its blend of mental toughness and physical strength. Training improves:
Endurance
Flexibility
Core strength
Discipline
For many men, it’s not about becoming a pro fighter. It’s about feeling strong, confident, and mentally sharper. MMA offers these outcomes more directly than traditional gym routines.
Accessible Training Options
Unlike football or basketball, which require teams, MMA can be practiced solo or with a coach. Whether through one-on-one boxing sessions or weekly Jiu-Jitsu classes, it fits easily into busy adult schedules. This flexibility has helped it become one of the fastest growing sports for men who want to stay fit without committing to team leagues.
Paddle Tennis: The Social Sport on the Rise
What Is Paddle Tennis?
Often confused with pickleball, paddle tennis is a fast-paced, lower-impact game played on a smaller court with solid paddles and a depressurized tennis ball. It blends tennis-like gameplay with a more social, casual feel — and men are loving it.
Paddle tennis has gained massive popularity in parts of Europe and is growing fast in the U.S., especially in cities and active adult communities. Because it’s easy to learn but hard to master, it’s attracting both athletes and beginners alike.
Fitness Without Burnout
For men in their 30s, 40s, and even 50s, paddle tennis offers intense cardio without the wear-and-tear of higher-impact sports. You still run, jump, and swing, but the pace is manageable, and the court is small enough to reduce injury risk.
This makes it one of the fastest growing sports for men who want to compete, break a sweat, and avoid long recovery times.
The Social Edge
A big part of paddle tennis’s appeal is its community atmosphere. Games are played in doubles, and many leagues are built around social interaction. Players often grab a drink or chat afterward, making it more than just exercise — it’s a lifestyle.
In an era where men report higher levels of isolation, paddle tennis provides healthy social engagement with a purpose.
Why These Sports Now?
Men Want More Than Just Fitness
Today’s average male athlete is looking for more than just a six-pack. He’s looking for meaning, camaraderie, and mastery. Sports like MMA and paddle tennis offer all three.
They help build a skill (striking, grappling, footwork), not just muscle. They encourage long-term progress and reward consistency. They’re also emotionally engaging, which keeps motivation high.
Low Barriers to Entry
MMA and paddle tennis both have accessible onramps:
Many MMA gyms offer beginner classes for men with no experience
Paddle tennis courts are popping up in local parks and apartment complexes
These sports are inclusive, not intimidating — a huge reason they’re part of the fastest growing sports for men.
Influence of Social Media and Pop Culture
Social media has played a huge role in making these sports visible. Fighters post daily routines. Paddle tennis influencers share trick shots and weekend matches. This visibility builds curiosity and lowers the intimidation factor for new participants.
And with gear and instruction readily available online, men can get started with minimal investment.
Compared to Traditional Sports
| Factor | MMA | Paddle Tennis | Traditional Sports |
|---|---|---|---|
| Injury Risk | Medium (controlled settings) | Low | Varies (often higher) |
| Solo Play Option | Yes | No (always doubles) | Rare |
| Skill Learning Curve | High | Medium | Medium |
| Social Experience | Moderate | High | Team-dependent |
| Schedule Flexibility | High | Medium | Low |
This comparison shows why both MMA and paddle tennis are taking off. They’re flexible, exciting, and offer lasting rewards.
What the Numbers Show
Industry data and sports participation surveys back this trend:
MMA gym memberships have doubled in many U.S. cities since 2018
Paddle tennis participation in the U.S. grew over 30% between 2021 and 2024
Male interest in non-mainstream sports has climbed, especially among 25–44-year-olds
It’s not just a passing trend — these activities are reshaping what it means to be an active man in 2025.
What to Expect Next
As the demand grows, expect:
More paddle tennis facilities at gyms and rec centers
More UFC and Bellator-inspired training programs
Expanded amateur leagues for both sports
More cross-training options (e.g., MMA-inspired workouts or paddle-focused conditioning)
With more options and awareness, both sports are likely to remain two of the fastest-growing sports for men well beyond 2025.
The modern male athlete is more selective than ever. He doesn’t just want to stay in shape — he wants a sport that aligns with his identity, values, and lifestyle. MMA offers a raw, personal test of strength and resilience. Paddle tennis blends physicality with connection and fun.
Together, these sports represent a new wave — a shift away from the sidelines and into more purpose-driven play. It’s no surprise they’ve earned a place among the fastest growing sports for men.
