As a long time MMA fan, I was one of the guys who always thought MMA would eventually breakthrough to the point of being considered a legitimate sport with a strong, committed fanbase.
However, it's sort of been a sad realization as of late, because not only did I figure that MMA would have already had it's breakthrough, but it seems MMA is actually moving away that goal.
I don't really get the feel that MMA is growing in numbers or respect. In fact, I feel like as more time goes on, MMA seems and feels more like a fad in the US. Even though MMA is a real sport, the MMA scene in the US draws more paralells between MMA and pro-wrestling rather than between MMA and real sports.
I know, in my heart of hearts, that MMA is a legitimate sport. However, I don't "feel" that MMA could be regarded as so, especially when it's compared to the "actual" sports. If you compare a game of Monday Night Football to the average UFC (or Strikeforce), the MMA definitely seems more like a pro-wrestling event rather than a sporting event. It's bush-league. Elementary. Pedestrian. "Real sports" and MMA are just worlds apart from each other right now.
Am I the only one who feels this way? Any other thoughts? Do you feel MMA is shaping into a legitimate, respectable sporting event, or that, other than having real fights, it's gone the of WWE?
(note- this post is in regards to the MMA scene specifically here in the US)
/\ I see what you did there
Fans are not educated because thje sport is NEW..
It is catching on huge otherwise it wouldnt be the FASTEST growing sport
its still a joke due to rampant roid abuse and the ability to attract such a high percentage of blokes that never thought they were good at anything until they started networking with other cheaters or started relabeling the chemicals they use to feel like they can participate.
spelling bees on ESPN require more training and less 'recovery drugs'
One of the more underrated problem ist the production value of MMA in the US which ulimately leads to the "feel" of the sport.
SF and UFC look, like you said, very bush-league in presentation and the main problem is that people like Dana White do NOT realize how important it is.
Get rid of the gladiator, metal music garbage intros and create something more unique...something monumental.
And get rid of the terrible background music when the fighter stats are being shown.
what, and lose the WWE fans that keep the 'sport' afloat??!
never
there are a lot of meth head grunge babies that cannot enjoy watching people play mma unless they have the headbanger music and the death tats all over the participants to give it the very D& D/ american gladiators aura u so deride.
15 if someone can clean up the rampant roid-rage and reverse flea-nut therapy (clomid/
Bixby - One of the more underrated problem ist the production value of MMA in the US which ulimately leads to the "feel" of the sport.
SF and UFC look, like you said, very bush-league in presentation and the main problem is that people like Dana White do NOT realize how important it is.
Get rid of the gladiator, metal music garbage intros and create something more unique...something monumental.
And get rid of the terrible background music when the fighter stats are being shown.
I agree with entirely. The televised "feel" certainly needs to be changed.
That's what I love about it.
MMA is just now really coming into it's own.
A few years ago alot of people didn't even know what the UFC or MMA was, it's at least mostly recognizable now, even if only as The UFC.
Right now, all of us are walking among the legends and giants of tomorrow.
When many of us are old men, we will be able to say we met greats like Randy Couture, Fedor or whoever it is many of us have encountered.
Like our fathers and grandfathers meeting Muhammad Ali or Babe Ruth.
I believe in MMA. It will be the dominant sport in this country, it will just take time, sweat and passion from the industry and the fans, but it will get there.
It answers the question other sports only hint at.
I can kick your ass, literally.
Not talking about hitting a ball or knocking a puck in a net and calling that kicking your ass.
No excuses, no blaming the pitcher or quarterback for a loss.
Man on man, you and me....I can kick your ass.
That, ultimately, is what competition is all about. Some do it in chess, some do it the more primal and pure way with honorable combat.
For the sports purist, the one who wants that question answered and knows it in the pit of their gut that it's the only way to really answer this question.
MMA delivers.