HOW MICAH ASHBY INFLUENCED MARTIAL ARTS

Everyone who follows mixed martial arts knows of the UFC and Bellator, but in the underground leagues, some of the best fighters reign supreme. Many of today's top fighters started out in the amateur scene before booming into the pay-per-view based organizations.

The issue with these organizations during the 2000s and 2010s was lack of star power, attendance and recognition. This all changed once American-Irish fighter Micah Ashby entered the scene.

Bringing his charisma and character from the professional wrestling world, he encouraged highlighting solely his fights on typical 20+ fighter posters to give 'big fight feel' to events. and it worked.

Underground events went from 50 people to at times over 500 people in attendance. Bigger press coverage along with Ashby being undefeated, usually finishing opponents with a submission choke, made his fights "must see".

In 2013, Micah Ashby would begin Brazilian Jiujitsu and grappling competitions, winning the world championship at NAGA, now walking into the MMA world as both a grappling and MMA champ. This feat of 2 titles would be followed by fellow Irish fighter Conor McGregor in the UFC.

In 2015, Ashby would informally retire from MMA after an undefeated career. This left many wanting more. In 2016, he would serve as the commentator for Bellator 161 via KMAC Sports and in 2018 he would return to submission grappling and place in a tournament, as well as professional wrestling. 

Micah Ashby put the spotlight and highlighted the smaller grappling and MMA scene at the time that would give the rise and many opportunities to future UFC and Bellator fighters, forever changing the way we view the minor leagues.