Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Boxing vs. MMA

By Denise I Smithson

Mixed martial arts has grown in popularity exponentially after the last several years. This is due in part to a variety of factors, including a reality television show from the UFC that brought the sport to the masses for the first time. The UFC continues to produce high quality fights since all of the fighters are under their control, which helps to add to their popularity. Some people feel that MMA is replacing or has already replaced boxing in our culture but in truth they are different sports and you don't have to like or follow just one.

However, boxing has been declining in popularity in the US for some time now. Of course, the sweet science is at no risk of extinction - there is a core of loyal fans that will always support the sport. Despite the repeated predictions of boxing's demise, the sport isn't going anywhere. However, some long time boxing fans feel that MMA is nothing but a cheap, sensationalized knock off of their favorite sport.

At the same time, many boxing fans have begun to appreciate MMA while still remaining dedicated to boxing as well. There's plenty for boxing fans to appreciate in mixed martial arts fighting. The sport incorporates elements of boxing, wrestling, judo, kickboxing, Muay Thai and other styles. This blend of styles into a single event makes for a sport which is something all its own.

MMA fans likewise often enjoy boxing. The boxing seen in MMA matches leave a lot to be desired when compared to the expert footwork, advanced techniques and finesse which is on display in a boxing match. Since MMA fighters don't tend to specialize in any one style (and even if so, this style is rarely boxing), the fighting styles of the two sports are worlds apart.

Mixed martial arts events do feature TKOs more often though, largely due to the gloves used in the sport. These smaller and less well padded gloves are essentially knuckle guards. Boxing features more finesse and skill, MMA a more purely physical display; each sport has its own appeal to fans.

You can certainly be a fan of boxing and MMA; there are different reasons why people enjoy each of these sports. There's no need to feel as if you're betraying boxing by enjoying a MMA match or vice versa. After all, you never hear people talking about how they can't take in a basketball game since they're also hockey fans. The two sports are different and are not in direct competition with each other, simple as that.

Boxing and MMA fans need to come to an understanding that the sports are two different animals and have different things to offer fans. Naturally, you don't have to like both; no sport will appeal to every fan. However, you should approach each sport on its own merits rather than in relation to other sports.

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