The sport of mixed martial arts and promotional giants like the Ultimate Fighting Championship and Bellator MMA might not exist today if not for the thousands of regional events that occur each and every year.
Sometimes, a new organization pops up, tries its best and puts together a few shows before folding. Other times, a long-running regional series like King of the Cage or Ring of Combat last for years and continue to churn out frequent fight cards, all while keep the farm systems for larger promotions stocked with talent.