The problem with MMA writers/ reporters

It's still a new sport. As guys retire, you'll see more writing from fighters.

Currently, Mayhem writes a little and Florian announces/guests on MMA Live.

 Well, I can sya that R. Schneiderman who writes on MMA for the NY Times trains at my club. Justin Porter (also with the times) trains at Alliance NYC and at my club. He has also trained with Phil Dunlap. So, at least two do train.



Though I just read a preview of shitty article on Sambo coming out in FIGHT! magazine by Kelly Crigger. I don't know if he trains, but the article left a lot to be desired. I suggested some edits...hope they listen! 

I never went to school for journalism, but I can say that my time training has definitely helped with certain types of writing.

For example, the text that accompanies the technique photos we feature in Tapout Mag can't be written by someone who doesn't understand the techniques.

I know that isn't really journalism, but I'm just saying that a lot of it depends on what the article or story is about.

I think one of the biggest issues I've seen is that when someone has never trained or competed, they don't fully understand what fighter's go through. This can make it a bit more difficult to relate to the fighter and earn their respect and trust.

When I have interviewed a fighter backstage I've been treated as press. When I jump on the mat and roll and then sit down to do the interview, I've been treated as a friend and I see that it shows in the final product.

It can never hurt to actually experience what you're writing about... Well, actually with MMA I guess it can hurt :)

ttt

 Although I don't fight, I train BJJ and Kick Boxing. 

LOL @ being on the wrestling mat. This is a fighting sport son.

DO YOU EVEN TRANE!!?

 I fight in women's pants. And win, usually.



I agree that the 'journalism' in MMA is still amateurish compared to more established sports, but it'll improve with time.



Rome wasn't built in a day. Good, legitimate sports writers are now starting to cover MMA more in mainstream outlets which will cause everyone to raise their game and separate the wheat from the chaff, so to speak.



So I'll see you guys around :(

 The only problem I have with them is that they ask fighters dumb questions and are inappropriately flippant and condescending at times. It's not so much a matter of fighting or training (although they should understand the techniques)  but understanding what goes through someone's head when they train hard and compete. A marathon runner or tennis player who's never watched a fight would understand MMA better in a lot of ways than someone who's seen hundreds of fights but never competed.

rbl - A marathon runner or tennis player who's never watched a fight would understand MMA better in a lot of ways than someone who's seen hundreds of fights but never competed.


I disagree. Perhaps they'd understand the mindset of the competitors as "athletes" better (being athletes themselves), but running and tennis do not clue anyone in to the complexities of MMA as a sport (with it's wide range of techniques, etc). So a runner or tennis player reporting on MMA wouldn't ask dumb athlete questions, but they'd be clueless as to the finer points of the game (striking & grappling).




MMAunltd - Rome wasn't built in a day.


You're right, it took decades...but it only took a week to burn it to the ground. I hope changes for the better come soon.

MMAunltd -  I fight in women's pants. And win, usually.

I agree that the 'journalism' in MMA is still amateurish compared to more established sports, but it'll improve with time.

Rome wasn't built in a day. Good, legitimate sports writers are now starting to cover MMA more in mainstream outlets which will cause everyone to raise their game and separate the wheat from the chaff, so to speak.

So I'll see you guys around :(


what would you consider legitimate?
some people in the first few pages want qualifications, others want those that have written in papers, others fighters etc....

I think it's to easy for some writers now to hold onto a name like daily mirror or somthing and be able to claim some sort of superiority when in reality they are a blogger.

take a massive football writer like Martin Samuel, if he comes over to mma no doubt he will be witty and creative, but i still feel those in the sport for all these years will be 1up on a guy like him.

 Well, guys like Gareth Davies, a well renowned sports journo who admittedly has pretty rudimentary MMA knowledge but is keen and has a good outlet.



Not pro-wrestling dudes writing a blog for a paper!

 I can't think of a boxing journalist that fought, or even trained? Rule does not apply to combat sports I think?

MMAunltd -  Well, guys like Gareth Davies, a well renowned sports journo who admittedly has pretty rudimentary MMA knowledge but is keen and has a good outlet.

Not pro-wrestling dudes writing a blog for a paper!


lol pro wrassling ftw

Gareth Davies is an intersting one great writers like him will boost the scene no doubt. At this stage I still think there is room for a bit of both

The problem with MMA reporters: See OMA(tm)

As far as boxers, repeatedly being hit in the head is probably not the best formula for intelligent, witty, or even coherent prose.

As far as Mixed Martial Artists, my impression based on the fighters I've met or spoke with is that they're generally humble guys who want to train, compete for a living, and stay away from the cameras/microphones whenever possible. I think in large part fighters would rather start up a Gym or become a head trainer somewhere - stay behind the scenes - then sit in front of a computer screen and give their thoughts on the world of MMA. The ego that's necessary for greatness inside the ring does not apply to their lives in general.

And let's not get it twisted because there are plenty of fighters who could pen an entertaining, intelligent weekly column if they wanted to.

What kind of questions do you think reporters, journalist, and writers should ask?? Help me become a better writer. Spell check is wonderful now I need your help. What are some questions I should ask the local fighters I'm featuring in the articles. Give me some indepth questions you think non-fans or new fans would find interesting.
Thanks for the help.

Take advantage of your opportunities and ask pointed questions that aren't insulting to the individual. It's okay to ask about a loss. Just don't harp on it. Try and be creative with your questions. Remember, these guys get asked a lot of the same shit over and over so try and break up the monotony. My favorite response ever in an interview I did came from Jon Fitch when I asked him who the better "Jennifer" was - Love Hewitt, Lopez, or Garner. His response was something "Lopez...gotta love that ass!" It was a silly question but at least it let readers get a taste of Fitch's personality/humor instead of a canned, generic response.

I'm not 100% positive that you have to train to be a good MMA journalist. That being said, once I started taking BJJ, I could see things coming sooner. Once I started taking Muay Thai, I understood the striking game a little bit more. But 95% of the MMA articles and writings don't have a huge focus on either of these topics, so I'm not sold on it making me a better writer/journalist/editor...whatever.

In any regard, our other editor Donovan took a fight at Tuff N Uff and was a pro boxer for a while. My PR guy Johnny has 2 black belts and purple in BJJ. My designer took Karate for over 10 years and my photographer is a legit black belt in BJJ under Roberto Traven. Does this help any of us do our jobs better...I can't say one way or the other. But I guess it can't hurt.

I agree that it can't hurt. Any sort of training - even a basic jiujitsu class - will offer insight into the sport you can't get from watching a television screen. However, I don't think you need to be a pro to be a good writer. The only type of media it would REALLY help in is television. Going from athlete to commentator is a pretty natural transition, at least if you look at most MLB/NBA/NFL/NCAA broadcasts and pre/post-games. It gives you instant credibility with the audience at home and lets you point out things the studio-types might not be aware of.