Local combative sports got off the canvas in 2018. Professional boxing and mixed martial arts both enjoyed a resurgence in Atlantic City, combining to stage 21 shows in town. The variety of events was especially impressive, due in large part to the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City and Ocean Resort Casino.
Soon after opening their doors in June, both properties decided to make boxing and MMA a part of their entertainment menus. Hard Rock hosted two HBO World Championship Boxing cards at Live at Etess Arena, plus the new MMA Pro League in September. Ocean stepped up with a Top Rank card on ESPN at its Ovation Hall and two Pro Fighters League MMA cards. All of the events drew great crowds.