Recent reporting—from The Economist and other respected business outlets—shows that investors are increasingly pouring money into “niche” sports: those outside the traditional big leagues, which are capturing passionate, loyal audiences in untapped markets. With streaming platforms, festival-style live events, and younger fans seeking authenticity, these sports are becoming big business.
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fits squarely into this trend. It’s no longer fringe; it’s one of the fastest-growing combat sports globally. That growth makes it a powerful platform for local brands to connect, be visible, and build trust—especially in communities like El Paso, where sport, family, and culture intersect.
El Paso itself is also showing strong signs of economic growth, with new investments, cultural attractions, and entertainment options diversifying what the city has to offer. MMA fits naturally into this wheelhouse — a sport that reflects the Borderland’s identity as a community of strength, resilience, and pride. As the culture continues to evolve, CFC provides a platform where competition and community come together, making it both a business opportunity and a point of civic pride.
The CFC Story
CFC was co-founded by serial entrepreneur Roland Rios and MMA fighter Carlos Pacheco, who recognized a problem: despite the passion and dedication of local fighters pouring their hearts and sweat equity into the sport, there was no professional platform in the Borderland to showcase their talent. Their vision was to create that stage — a homegrown arena where regional fighters could compete, grow, and inspire.
What began as a bold idea quickly gained momentum. With sell-out crowds and a loyal fan base, CFC has proven that the Borderland is not only ready but hungry for a premier MMA experience. Today, CFC is more than just an event. It’s a movement that blends live combat sports with community pride, giving businesses a stage to be seen, and young fighters a stage to be discovered.
The Economics & Proof of Momentum
- Our last event sold out 3,000+ tickets, showing demand is strong and accelerating.
- Niche sports are increasingly profitable for sponsors because their audiences are growing alongside technology (streaming, social media) and shifting consumer preferences toward authenticity and experience.
- Brands that engage early in these rising sectors are often seen as innovators and community leaders.
Why This Matters for Businesses
For professionals in HR, Marketing, Community Engagement, and Club Sports Development, aligning with MMA through CFC offers tangible benefits:
- Employee Engagement & Culture Building — Reward high-performers, build team cohesion, and create shared experiences outside the office.
- Brand Visibility & ROI — With niche sports rapidly growing, the opportunity to stand out is greater now than ever. Your brand gains visibility in front of thousands of engaged spectators, many of whom are local working families.
- Community & Client Relations — Hosting clients, partners, or employees at a live event builds goodwill. CFC is one of the few nights at Speaking Rock when you can bring your entire family, making it a memorable and inclusive experience.
What CFC Offers: Business & Sponsorship Packages
- Front Row VIP Tables, with food & unlimited non-alcoholic drinks
- Team seat bundles (10–25 people), enough for staff, clients, or partners
- Branding opportunities via arena signage, fight-night announcements, social media exposure
- A family-friendly environment — rare at Speaking Rock, and designed for all ages
- Event begins at 6:00 PM on October 18, 2025
Next Steps
If you believe your business could benefit, I encourage you to:
- Review our corporate sponsorship packages at CFCShow.com
- Reach out to schedule a meeting to explore how a custom package might work for your company goals
- Become a visible supporter—participate in one of El Paso’s fastest-growing live sports experiences. Buy tickets here.
In short: MMA is rising fast, investors know it, and El Paso already has a platform that’s proven successful. CFC, founded by Roland Rios and Carlos Pacheco, is your chance to align with the next big thing—where competition meets community.
And remember: CFC Means Business — and we’re only just getting started.
