The UFC is the largest promoter of combat mixed martial arts (MMA). Competitors are allowed to not only punch like in boxing, but also kick, knee, elbow, slam, and choke their opponents. Although very entertaining, is it a true sport? Can we compare it to the NFL, NBA or the MLB?
I must confess I am a fan, and I am completely entertained by watching two fighters enter the ring, in an attempt to knock out or tap out their opponent. Come on, this is just great entertainment. Does it really stand up to the other sport leagues? Why not? In recent months, UFC fighters have appeared on the covers of Sports Illustrated and ESPN The Magazine. Pay-per-view events are selling huge numbers. TV events get great ratings. Coverage of UFC events is starting to appear in the morning newspaper.
Some might wonder if boxing is a threat for the UFC, but I don’t see that happening, boxing is struggling in my opinion, it has been a while since a boxer has come along to grasp America’s attention. It’s lacked a peoples champ. The UFC is simply more dynamic, and in my mind most people watching a boxing match are waiting for blood, and the UFC delivers that a lot quicker. Many boxers have tried to fight in the UFC, and have not been successful.
The UFC is a fast growing sport that is trickling into mainstream America. It’s come a long way since Dana White took over the organization, and is on track to become the most popular sport in America.
5 comments:
why would it not be a sport? It's not rigged like wrestling, is it?
While the participants are no doubt athletes, I have a hard time calling it a sport. Maybe a competition? Bowling isn't rigged either, but that doesn't make it a sport.
Boxing is considered a sport therefore one must consider the UFC a sport. UFC is defiantly a sport and arguments can be made for bowling as well. UFC is arguably the most demanding and technical sports due to the flexibility of what is allowed in the ring. The UFC also doesn't have as many steroid issues compared to the WWE.
I don't like the idea of debating whether something is a sport or not because it is up for ones interpretation. I myself hate it when people argue that golf isn't a sport because usually those individuals are not involved or dedicated to the game like I am.
It's certainly not rigged, but some feel that it's more of a battle/competition, than it is a sport. However I feel like the sport is going to increase its popularity ten fold in the next few years.
When it comes to camparing UFC and Boxing, its totally apples and oranges. If a UFC fighter were to train and fight in a boxing match, he would not do well. And the same goes for the boxer trying to fight in the UFC. I do agree that Boxing in america has gone downhill, for the exact reason you said...There is no peoples champ, or anyone with the skill high enough to compete and entertain for that matter.
There is no reason why it would not be a sport. Its two people competing against eachother for the right to call themselves the winner, period.
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