Nashville’s Rise as a Sporting Hub
Nashville has recently gained recognition as a significant sporting destination, hosting major events like the 2019 NFL Draft, the 2022 NHL Stadium Series, and the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Additionally, it hosts annual competitions, including the SEC men’s basketball tournament and IndyCar’s Music City Grand Prix.
A Lack of Combat Sports History
Despite its growing popularity in various sports, Nashville has not been recognized as a hub for combat sports. In contrast, Memphis has held numerous championship fights, such as the notable Mike Tyson vs. Lennox Lewis bout in the 2000s, while Nashville has seen a scarcity of high-level boxing events.
The Dwindling Boxing Scene
The last significant boxing event in Nashville occurred over five years ago when local fighter Caleb Plant defended his super middleweight title. Since then, there has been a decline in championship boxing in the area. Tom Brown, President of TBG Promotions, noted the challenges in attracting promoters due to the city’s combat sports landscape.
Challenges for Boxing Promoters
Promoters find it increasingly hard to justify hosting events outside established markets like Las Vegas and New York, where local support often surpasses that of places like Nashville. In the past, Memphis benefitted from local investors willing to fund fight cards, creating a more appealing financial scenario for promoters.
Potential for Growth in Combat Sports
Even though boxing struggles, mixed martial arts (MMA) is starting to penetrate Nashville’s sports scene, with both the UFC and PFL holding successful events this past summer. As Nashville continues to grow, these promotions are eager to return, recognizing the city’s potential as a viable market for combat sports.
Positive Future for MMA
The UFC has made seven visits to Nashville, with their most recent event drawing over 17,000 fans. UFC Chief Operating Officer Lawrence Epstein stated that Nashville’s rising popularity enhances its status as a competitive market for the organization, and they plan to continue hosting events there.
Encouragement for Boxing’s Return
While boxing is yet to reclaim its previous standing in Nashville, the increasing interest in combat sports indicates a potential revival, especially if local talent like Caleb Plant continues to emerge. Plant’s father, Richie, expressed hope for future boxing events in Nashville, believing that both fans and promoters would support it.
