3 Movies Every MMA Fan Should Watch

Throughout the last 20 years, mixed martial arts (MMA) has taken the world by storm. Today, some of the biggest and hottest names in sports are part of the MMA world, and culturally speaking, mixed martial arts is being recognized by media like never before.

Many top-notch books, television shows, and moves that center on MMA have been released in recent years. To help fans enjoy as much high-octane combat action as possible, let's take a look at three of the best MMA movies!

3. The Hammer

The Hammer is an outstanding film based upon the life and career of Matt Hamill, an NCAA wrestling champion and longtime UFC competitor. In addition to providing a detailed look at the life of one of the UFC's most underrated fighters, The Hammer reminds viewers that hard work and dedication are at the heart of every success.

2. Here Comes the Boom

Kevin James is hysterical, and interestingly enough, he also happens to be a big fan of MMA. This point was probably clear to those who saw James in the corner of Jason "Mayhem" Miller when he took on former UFC Middleweight Champion Michael Bisping, but it was almost surely apparent to those who've watched Here Comes the Boom.

This film is a pleasant comedy that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Here Comes the Boom follows James, a teacher, as he competes in MMA to raise badly needed funds for his school.

Salma Hayek and Henry Winkler also star, and many UFC fighters and personalities, including Joe Rogan, Bas Rutten, Bruce Buffer, Mayhem Miller, Mark Munoz, and Wanderlei Silva, have cameo roles.

1. Conor McGregor: Notorious

It'd be difficult to characterize the rise of two-division UFC champ Conor McGregor as anything other than remarkable. The man went from living on food stamps in his native Ireland to become the highest-paid UFC fighter in history.

Notorious is a well-made documentary that follows McGregor from the regional scene to the top of the fight game. The hard work, gut-wrenching moments, and adversity he overcame to get there are something to behold.