5 Hardest Sports in the World Ranked

In this article, we are going to discuss the 5 hardest sports in the world ranked. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of the history of sports, the world’s #1 sport, the hardest sport in Asia, sports sponsorships and endorsements, disruptions and innovations in the sports market, the future of ESPN and the future outlook of sports streaming, head to 15 Hardest Sports in the World Ranked. 

5. Mixed Martial Arts 

Weighted Average Score: 4.8

One of the fastest growing sports in the world, MMA is also among the hardest and most physically demanding sports out there. Learning Mixed Martial Arts is difficult because you have to learn all aspects of the art of fighting. MMA requires both stand-up and ground fighting, which requires years of hard work, discipline and dedication. Some fights can even lead to gruesome injuries for the athletes, thus making the game a part of our ranking of the toughest sports in the world. 

The sport has also seen some huge paydays for its athletes. Conor McGregor created UFC history in 2021 by becoming their best paid fighter, despite his loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov, and then later to Dustin Poirier. The fight with Dustin Poirier led McGregor to pocket a sum of $10 million, including purse, PPV share revenue and sponsorships. UFC also signed a TV rights deal with ESPN back in 2019, worth $300 million per year, which is set to expire in 2025.