Reports have started circulating that Combate Global has closed its doors. Campbell McLaren, one of the creators and founding fathers of the UFC, begs to differ.
McLaren, who serves as the CEO of Combate Global, asked that those believing the news “come down to Miami.” That appears to be when the promotion plans to hold its next event.
Read more: EXCLUSIVE: Mexican Social Media Mega-Influencer Luis Escudero Signs with Combate Global
“Finally!!” McLaren posted on X. “The MMAJA covers Combate Global. Thanks guys. I hope you will come down to Miami in December so I can thank you in person.”
The report stated a loss of a broadcast deal with Univision one of the main reasons for closing up shop. Also, declining events and fighter exodus.
Lowkick MMA posted a graphic on social media that indicated there are “no scheduled events and key fighters leaving for other promotions.” They also posted that the partnership with Univision “has ended” with it all meaning the “future appears bleak.”
Founded in 2011 by McLaren, Combate Global announced a five-year broadcasting partnership with Univision in 2021. They further announced that CBS Sports Network would become the English language home for the promotion that same year.
Earlier this year, though, that programming moved exclusively to Fuse Media’s cable channel. The Combate library streams on El Rey Rebel FAST channel.
Only David Martinez is a current Combate Global champion, having held the bantamweight title since 2021. He has made one successful defense of the belt.
The lightweight title was vacated when Rafa Garcia’s contract expired and he signed with the UFC while the featherweight belt was also vacated when Bruno Cannetti’s deal expired.
Melissa Martinez, the only women’s strawweight champion, held the belt she won in 2019 before vacating it upon signing with the UFC.
