Quote:
Originally Posted by ILJO
this article is rediculous.
I didnt start watching mma to get away from mainstream sports. I started watching it because I liked it and I thought it was cool.
I couldnt care less what other people think.
And if the sport is becoming mainstream, well, good for it.
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I agree.
I got into MMA years ago because I wrestled and boxed all through school. I always said that a good wrestler would take a good boxer. Then along came MMA.
I think the whole mainstream thing is great for the sport.
Here is why.
Fights between professional fighters from good camps are generally very rewarding, satisfying matches to watch. The more of those fighters there are, the more potentially great matches there will be for us fight fans to see. To me it is very rewarding to see 2 well-versed, multi-talented fighters who are capable of going the distance go at it.
On the other hand there are the guys that are part-time, or just trying to break into the sport. They usually gas early, swing wildly, and if they win, it is largely due to their heart and determination.
MMA going "Mainstream" is necessary for both kinds of fighters.
Without it being mainstream, there would be very little sponsors or money. That would make it very difficult for fighters to devote their lives to training for the fights. When a top-tier fighter's payday was $1k it makes it A LOT tougher of a choice to quit their day job and truly take something seriously. It is the difference between someone who plays football for the NFL and someone who plays down at the park on Sundays.
Also, without the exposure of the sport (from being mainstream) and the allure of landing a big contract and being able to be a professional, I truly doubt that we would be seeing all of these "up and comers" trying to fight their way into the spotlight.
Without the money to offer up for bonuses for KO, submission, or fight of the night, I don't know if we would see these young hungry fighters swinging for the fences, trying to actually finish the fight and earn that $60k bonus, even though they are dead tired, can barely stand, and most likely have to go to work on Monday.
Say what you want, but I think that it is very good for the sport.