Mixed martial arts has made a big splash with sports fans in recent years. A reality TV show about the UFC (the official organization of MMA fighting) brought a lot of publicity to the sport; leading many take an interest in the sport. There has been some concern on the part of boxing fans that the ever growing popularity of MMA has detracted from the attention paid to boxing. However, the two sports are very different from each other and there is no reason why the popularity of one should be in inverse proportion to that of the other. MMA isn't boxing and doesn't pretend to be. There's no reason at all that the two sports (and their fans) can't coexist.
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.
It's definitely possible to be a fan of MMA and boxing at the same time. Fans enjoy each sport for different reasons. You're not letting down boxing by taking in a MMA event; and the UFC won't feel betrayed if you watch a boxing match. It's not as if you hear people saying that they can't watch soccer since they like to watch baseball. The sports may share a few similarities, but they are at their very core different sports which should not be taken to be in competition with each other for your attention.
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.
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.
It's definitely possible to be a fan of MMA and boxing at the same time. Fans enjoy each sport for different reasons. You're not letting down boxing by taking in a MMA event; and the UFC won't feel betrayed if you watch a boxing match. It's not as if you hear people saying that they can't watch soccer since they like to watch baseball. The sports may share a few similarities, but they are at their very core different sports which should not be taken to be in competition with each other for your attention.
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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