Many of my closest friends are not fans of Mixed Martial Arts (from here MMA), and in particular the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship). My mom outspokenly hates it. But I think that it is one of the most misunderstood sports. So without further ado, this is my defense of the sport.
MMA is more than just blood and guts all over the place. Was early MMA simply a brutal bloodsport? Sort of. But as the UFC has come under new ownership the sport as a whole has cleaned up considerably, thanks in part to seeking unified regulations. I'm not saying that there aren't huge cuts still being opened up, but if you take the time to watch the fighters, you can tell the intentions of the strikes are much cleaner now. There is a weight range similar to boxing which prevents unfair fights between a giant and a 155lb ninja from happening. No matter what people say the giant pretty much always crushes that small of a person. I think it is important to take in a fight and just see how skilled these fighters are.
I have always believed that sports point to something greater within us. I suppose that could be a brief synopsis of yesterday's post. And so that's where I started my debate with MMA. I thought that if I could feel inspired in some way by MMA, then I would indeed count it as a sport. And to me it points to one of the most basic and pure facets of humanity: Great things are worth fighting for. Maybe this doesn't do it for some people, but even if all these guys are fighting for is a gold belt and fame, it still captures my attention. One of my favorite fighters, the current welterweight champion, Georges St. Pierre, always says that he is currently fighting for his legacy, that he wants to be known as the greatest champion ever. Shouldn't that be our goal? To be the greatest champion ever, yeah, that sounds good to me.
Not to mention the shape that these guys have to be in to cut and make weight before a fight, and then turn around and knock each other senseless. There is something beautiful to me about the simplicity and rawness of being in a cage. No, I don't see the UFC as a gladiatoral sport for blood-thirsty fans to go crazy over. I truly believe that the early fans of the bloody free-for-alls would be disappointed by today's matches that are beautiful displays of technique, power, and speed. What I love is the instinctive nature of MMA. Perfect example: when I was watching UFC 100 a couple weeks ago, I was watching Dan Henderson (another favorite, known for his powerful right hand) stalk his opponenet Michael Bisping around the ring like a wolf on the hunt. It was majestic! He was looking for a right hand to throw...knew that Bisping's punches weren't hurting him. And midway through the second round it came...Boom! Like a thunder clap, Henderson's right hand belted Bisping right in the jaw. Out before he hit the mat. To this day, probably the greatest single punch I have ever seen.
This sport gets your blood flowing, pumps you up, makes you want to be dangerous. And that's a good thing! So, give it a try, maybe you will see that this new sport is not so different from the others that you love so much.
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Ok, so I understand your point. I also agree that sports as well as anything are much more enjoyable when you know about them. As intramurals chair, I learned a lot about football and going to the games are way more fun.
ReplyDeleteHowever, your arguement is entirely based on the assumption that you enjoy watching sports. I love playing sports, but unless I personally know someone playing, I typically don't enjoy watching sports. And the sports I enjoy watching most are sports I enjoy playing. I really don't see myself fighting anyone. ever.
But I do see where you are coming from.