Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace

From Georgia to Azerbaijan to Serbia to Laos, MMA is putting nations on the map. Ambassadors joined @USIPorg and @StateDept's @UnderSecPD to discuss how the @UFC boom is fueling athlete exchanges, youth programs, and people-to-people ties with the U.S. #SportsDiplomacy #UFC #Diplomacy @azembassyus @GeorgianEmbassy @SRBinUS

Sport speaks every language. At @USIPorg, Darren Beattie convened ambassadors, @StateDept's @UnderSecPD, and execs from @UFC, @TKOGrp, and @NFL to explore how MMA drives youth engagement, workforce development, and global connection. #SportsDiplomacy #SoftPower #MMA @azembassyus @GeorgianEmbassy @SRBinUS

This week, mixed martial arts have been at the center of national conversation. And at the U.S. Institute of Peace, the focus turned to its diplomatic potential. Senior leaders from UFC and TKO Group joined Acting President Darren Beattie, ambassadors and U.S. government representatives to examine how MMA is shaping national identity, creating economic opportunity, and connecting communities across borders. Participants pointed to UFC's reach across 200+ countries, broadcasts in 50+ languages, and athletes from 65 nations — with fighters increasingly serving as cultural ambassadors for their communities. As the sport continues to expand, participants agreed: MMA is becoming an increasingly influential platform for sports diplomacy, youth engagement, and cross-cultural exchange.

Ahead of the historic White House fight, @UFC and @TKOGrp leaders joined Acting President of USIP Darren Beattie, ambassadors, and U.S. officials to explore MMA’s diplomatic potential. With reach across 200+ countries, 50+ languages and athletes from 65 nations, UFC is becoming a powerful platform for sports diplomacy and cross-cultural exchange.