MMA is also seeing growth in the signing of new talent, such as former UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou, who recently signed with PFL. Ngannou's deal with PFL was negotiated based on his desire to explore boxing, be involved with leadership and fighter growth, and be paid his market value. Ngannou's impact on MMA is being compared to LeBron James' impact on basketball, as he is showing other fighters that they have a choice and can control their own careers.

Esports is another rapidly growing area of the sports industry, with a global audience that is expected to surpass 600 million by 2023. Esports has gained mainstream acceptance in recent years, with major companies and organizations investing in the industry. The International Olympic Committee even recognized esports as a sport in 2017.

Esports has also seen significant growth in terms of viewership and revenue. The League of Legends World Championship, for example, had a peak viewership of 44 million in 2020 and generated over $100 million in revenue. Esports also offers unique opportunities for collaboration with other sports, such as MMA.

One recent example of collaboration between MMA and esports is the partnership between the PFL and esports platform Socios.com. The partnership allows PFL fans to engage with the league and earn rewards through a blockchain-based platform. The partnership is aimed at enhancing fan engagement and creating new revenue streams for the league.

The collaboration between MMA and esports is still in its early stages, but the potential for growth and mutual benefit is significant. MMA organizations can leverage the popularity of esports to reach new audiences and enhance fan engagement. Esports organizations can benefit from partnerships with established sports organizations like the PFL.

Collaboration can take many forms, such as joint events, sponsorships, and merchandise collaborations. The PFL's partnership with Socios.com is a good example of how blockchain technology can be used to create new revenue streams and enhance fan engagement. As both MMA and esports continue to grow, we can expect to see more exciting collaborations between the two industries.

The sports industry is evolving rapidly, and the growth of MMA and esports is a testament to the industry's potential. As new technologies emerge and fan expectations change, sports organizations must adapt to stay relevant and engaged with their audiences.