The martial arts industry is shaped by a diverse array of power players—whether they are screen stars, elite athletes dominating the mat, ring, or cage, or icons whose greatest strength lies in their powerful voice and decision-making influence.
Each of these individuals leaves an undeniable mark on the martial arts, pushing its boundaries and redefining its cultural impact.
The Black Belt Power List 2024 honors these exceptional superstars and influencers who are not only redefining how we watch and engage with martial arts, but also how we learn, train, and experience its profound influence.
From groundbreaking performances to game-changing innovations, these individuals are shaping the future of martial arts, inspiring audiences and practitioners worldwide to elevate their passion and dedication. Here are the most influential figures in martial arts by Black Belt.
The Black Belt Power List 2024
Turki Al-Sheikh
Hiroyuki Sanada
Joe Rogan
Scott Coker
Jake Paul
Weili Zhang
Dev Patel
Teddy Riner
Dakota Ditcheva
Turki Al-Sheikh (Undisputed)
Traditional martial artists may not recognize the name Turki Al-Sheikh, but he is arguably the most influential figure in combat sports today.
In 2024, The Independent ranked him first on its list of the "Top 50 Most Influential Figures in Boxing and MMA," while ESPN named him the most influential figure in MMA and professional wrestling. Sports Illustrated also recognized him as the “Most Influential Figure in Boxing” for 2024, and the WBC awarded him the prestigious “Man of the Year” title.
So, what exactly does he do?
Al-Sheikh is a key financial backer of the world’s biggest combat sports events, bringing major fights to Saudi Arabia.
In 2024, his Riyadh Season hosted some of the year’s most anticipated events, including UFC, PFL, and Bellator cards, along with seven major pay-per-view boxing events. These included two undisputed title fights: Usyk vs. Fury for the heavyweight crown, and Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol for all four light heavyweight belts.
In just over a year, Al-Sheikh’s brand has become synonymous with the biggest and most high-profile fights in boxing.
Hiroyuki Sanada (Blade of Glory)
Hiroyuki Sanada made a global splash in 2024 with the highly anticipated return of Shogun to worldwide streaming.
The remake of the 1980s miniseries was nothing short of brilliant, as Sanada not only starred in the lead role but also brought a striking authenticity to the portrayal of Japanese martial arts through his direction. This realism isn’t just a cinematic choice—it’s embedded in Sanada’s very DNA.
Sanada began his career in the mid-1960s at the age of five and trained under the legendary Sonny Chiba. A black belt in Kyokushin karate, he first gained prominence in Japanese and Hong Kong action films, where he showcased his martial prowess. Over time, he transitioned into dramatic roles, becoming a multifaceted performer.
International audiences know him best as Ryuji Takayama in Ring (1998), Seibei Iguchi in The Twilight Samurai (2002), Ujio in The Last Samurai (2003), and Kenji in Rush Hour 3 (2007).
However, it’s his role in Shogun that has reignited martial arts fans’ fervor. A single behind-the-scenes post on Black Belt Magazine’s social media, featuring Sanada’s samurai training, was one of the most popular videos in the publication’s history.
With Shogun, Sanada has proven once again why he’s a master of blending cinematic brilliance with martial arts authenticity.
Joe Rogan (Master of All Media)
Joe Rogan’s influence on martial arts in 2024 is undeniable, as he remains a powerful advocate for the sport’s growth and integrity.
Through his role as a commentator and host of the world’s top podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, he has educated millions on the technical aspects of martial arts, promoting disciplines such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and wrestling.
Rogan’s impact goes beyond the cage—he has consistently championed fighter safety, better judging, and reforms in areas like weight cutting and anti-doping. His personal passion for martial arts, demonstrated through training sessions and insights shared on social media, continues to inspire aspiring martial artists worldwide, solidifying his position as one of the sport's most influential and relevant figures.
Scott Coker (The Comeback Kid)
By the end of 2023, Scott Coker seemed poised for a well-deserved retirement after successfully guiding Bellator to its landmark 300th event. Yet, many wondered if he still had more to offer.
2024 proved that comebacks are very much possible. Not only did Coker receive his well-earned induction into the Black Belt Hall of Fame, but he also launched his latest venture, Fight Night at the Tech.
Coker’s new project has become one of the highest-grossing independent MMA or combat sports event in 2024 outside of the UFC. As they say in sports, "nobody is putting up these numbers."
Looking ahead, 2025 is the breakout year for the comeback kid himself, Scott Coker.
Jake Paul (Disrupter)
Love him or hate him, Jake Paul is undeniably a force to be reckoned with. He has established himself as a true disruptor in the world of combat sports.
No longer relying on traditional promoters, Paul has become a one-man wrecking machine, using the power of social media to sell out entire stadiums—yes, you heard that right, stadiums.
When mainstream sports networks hesitate, he takes matters into his own hands, securing deals with platforms like Netflix.
Despite the controversy that often surrounds him, you can’t deny his ability to captivate the crowd—and in the process, he’s turning it all the way to the bank.
Dev Patel (Bollywood to Bushido)
Monkey Man (2024), Dev Patel’s explosive directorial debut, tells the story of an underdog street fighter on a quest to avenge his mother’s murder.
The film’s hard-hitting action comes to life through Patel’s sharp direction and the expertise of fight coordinator Brahim Chab, a 39-year-old French martial artist who has worked alongside legends like Donnie Yen and Jackie Chan.
From Slumdog Millionaire to cinematic powerhouse, Patel elevates the bar with fight scenes that go beyond the typical "Bollywood" mold. With a billion fans already in his corner, he’s firmly establishing himself as a contender for the next global action star.
Weili Zhang (The Sleeping Dragon Awakes)
China’s Weili Zhang was named Female Fighter of the Year at the 2024 World MMA Awards, further solidifying her status as one of the most dominant forces in combat sports today.
As the reigning strawweight champion and No. 2 in the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings, Zhang made history as the first female Asian athlete to capture a UFC title, and she has continued to prove herself as one of the sport’s elite.
Zhang’s latest victory came at UFC 300 in April, where she defeated fellow Chinese fighter Yan Xiaonan by unanimous decision, successfully defending her strawweight title. Known for her exceptional striking power, technical grappling, and relentless work ethic, Zhang has remained undefeated in her division for years.
Could this be the rise of China’s true "Sleeping Dragon"? As Napoleon Bonaparte once famously said, "Let China sleep; when she wakes, she will shake the world."
Who knew Napoleon was predicting a fighter named Zhang?
Teddy Riner (24 Karat Magic)
Teddy Riner, the "million-dollar judo man," with a historic fourth Olympic gold, redefining dominance in the sport and thrusting judo back into the global spotlight.
At age 35, Riner is now the most successful judoka of all time, with an unparalleled Olympic record: three individual golds, one team gold, and two bronze medals.
Revered as France’s most beloved sports star, the towering powerhouse—affectionately nicknamed the “nation’s teddy bear”—has thrilled crowds for years with his signature throws and commanding presence, earning chants of “Teddy Bam Bam!” wherever he competes.
Riner made history by claiming his third individual Olympic gold in the +100kg category. Demonstrating ice-cold tactical precision and sheer physical dominance, he overpowered South Korea’s Kim Min-jong to secure the win.
His 2024 gold medal in the Paris Olympics cements Riner’s legacy as a true legend and one of 2024 biggest martial arts standouts.
Dakota Ditcheva (A Star is Born)
In 2023, she earned a $100,000 payday for becoming PFL’s European flyweight champion. A year later, she earned $1 million after establishing herself as arguably the best 125lb fighter in the sport.
Ditcheva’s dominant four-fight, four-stoppage winning the PFL Lightweight Championship has catapulted her into contention for Female Fighter of the Year.
With a relentless schedule and decisive victories—including her stunning stoppage of former UFC title challenger Taila Santos—Ditcheva has become one of the most electrifying names in the sport as we head into 2025.
We will see if the UFC comes knocking.