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.
There are also boxing fans who have found themselves drawn to MMA while still being every bit as loyal to boxing. There is plenty here for boxing fans (and anyone else) to enjoy in MMA. Mixed martial arts does include some elements drawn from boxing, but also incorporates techniques from MuayThai, kickboxing, judo and wrestling, among other fighting styles. This amalgam of different techniques and styles makes MMA something very different than boxing.
Fans of each will find something that is appealing, and you can be a fan of both for different reasons. For example, the quality of the actual boxing in MMA is low. Fighters have to stand differently to guard against takedowns and strikes from other angles. Additionally, without years of honing fine boxing technique, the punches themselves are sloppier.
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.
MMA and boxing fans would find a lot to appreciate about each other's favorite sports if they would simply set aside this feud and look at the other sport on its own merits rather than as an enemy. You don't have to like both, but you shouldn't dismiss either out of hand.
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.
There are also boxing fans who have found themselves drawn to MMA while still being every bit as loyal to boxing. There is plenty here for boxing fans (and anyone else) to enjoy in MMA. Mixed martial arts does include some elements drawn from boxing, but also incorporates techniques from MuayThai, kickboxing, judo and wrestling, among other fighting styles. This amalgam of different techniques and styles makes MMA something very different than boxing.
Fans of each will find something that is appealing, and you can be a fan of both for different reasons. For example, the quality of the actual boxing in MMA is low. Fighters have to stand differently to guard against takedowns and strikes from other angles. Additionally, without years of honing fine boxing technique, the punches themselves are sloppier.
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.
MMA and boxing fans would find a lot to appreciate about each other's favorite sports if they would simply set aside this feud and look at the other sport on its own merits rather than as an enemy. You don't have to like both, but you shouldn't dismiss either out of hand.
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