Although Mixed Martial Arts has been working hard, it still hasn't received the recognition it deserves.
Although MMA is gaining popularity in countries like the US and UK, there are still individuals who criticize both the sport and its athletes as being violent and hazardous. This perception is incorrect because MMA involves highly skilled fighters who possess a variety of martial arts abilities (e.g.
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The sport of mixed martial arts incorporates various forms of martial arts, such as Judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Maui Tai, boxing, wrestling and kickboxing. The initial objective was to determine the most efficient style by allowing competitors to face off with minimal safety regulations. However, extensive injuries prompted the implementation of additional safety protocols (Chew). These regulations have led to a rapid expansion of MMA.
Despite the common misconception that MMA lac
...ks regulations, there are several enforced rules to ensure fighter safety. Prohibitions include eye gouging, kneeing or kicking grounded opponents, shots to the groin, hair pulling, blows to the back of the head and holding onto ropes or cages. Additionally, other measures have been put in place to prevent fights when a combatant is at risk of severe harm.
Various ways exist for fights to conclude, including knockouts (KO), technical knockouts (TKO), submissions, referee stoppages, and time running out. A KO involves the fighter becoming unconscious due to a powerful blow. If referees observe that a fighter is not defending themselves effectively, they may intervene and declare a TKO. Submissions occur when fighters are trapped in holds like head locks, arm locks or leg locks and must concede by tapping out. Referees possess the authority to end fights when fighters sustain injuries that leave them
unable to defend themselves.
When a fighter consistently uses illegal methods, the fight can be ended by the referee. Alternatively, fights can end when time runs out and judges score the performance to determine the winner. While some people believe that fighters aim to injure each other, they typically have a mutual respect and are solely focused on winning using any necessary means. This respect is formed based on an understanding of the difficult training and challenges that each fighter has endured.
Although MMA has rules and regulations established, it is considered illegal in several states such as New York, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, South Carolina, and West Virginia. Opponents of the sport argue that it is a hazardous activity that should be prohibited altogether. James E. Timilty, a state senator from Massachusetts, is one of them and believes that MMA can be compared to "unregulated street fights".
Many people mistakenly believe that MMA is simply a brutal fight where one opponent knocks out the other. But in reality, it requires both strategic thinking and physical skill, with each fighter possessing their own distinctive approach that cannot be duplicated. Nonetheless, some are concerned that children who watch MMA on TV might try to copy what they see, which could be extremely hazardous.
Despite MMA being a young and misunderstood sport, it should be respected as a safe sport. MMA has evolved from its barbaric roots and is now regulated in many places. However, the responsibility of monitoring what children watch and do should fall on parents. Perhaps someday, MMA will be legalized everywhere.
MMA is a rapidly expanding and thrilling sport that promotes discipline and demands immense
expertise. In time, I aspire for MMA to be recognized alongside esteemed sports such as football, baseball, and basketball.
