Why is MMA more popular (*in the US) than boxing?

[Kevin_Wright]

I am so fucking confused. MMA is horribe to watch for me. I can't even get into it. Its just so fucking boring to me. Yet boxing is probably the last run on the ladder, I'm confused. Why do people in the US like this shit?

[masterorder19]

I am so fucking confused. MMA is horribe to watch for me. I can't even get into it. Its just so fucking boring to me. Yet boxing is probably the last run on the ladder, I'm confused. Why do people in the US like this shit?

First of all boxing is my favorite sport ever so I don't wanna seem like a pure mma lover....but ne ways it's not bigger ten boxing and it will never be..second mma is a great sport and it very exciting and a pleasure to watch not boring at all..you just problably just have trouble appreciating it cause u don't understand all the skill and awareness needed in this sport..mma fighter in the grand scheme of things are the most danderous dudes in the world..maybe you should take part in some mma sparring in your gym and get the love for it..

[ufoalf]

Just go to an MMA class and see when someone takes you down how not simple it is. It might be boring but there's a lot more to it than might appear.

[Vitor Belfort]

Cuz the younger generations appears to like it more. I don't think it's more popular than boxing but the younger generation do like to watch it more.

[alex-boxer42]

It takes more intelligence to appreciate boxing.

[Koa]

As a fan of all combat sports, sometimes it takes no intelligence at all to appreciate combat sports in general. Some people are drawn purely to the violence, or are fans of certain fighters based almost entirely on their nationality, or relation.

A deeper appreciation required an understanding of what is really going on in the ring, or cage, as you get to appreciate and recognize the skill, natural ability, talent etc.

Just as there are nuances in boxing, there are just as many, if not more nuances in other combat sports, be it a bjj match, judo match, or MMA match. That you do not appreciate a certain type of combat sport, once you are into one, may have to do with personal taste, but I think in most cases it has to do with ignorance (I mean lack of understanding when I use the word ignorance).. Not intelligence.

[achillesthegreat]

Because you don't understand the science behind it. It does look gay but if implemented on you then you would not have a fucking clue what to do about it.

I had 2 mates who were not interested in it until I went through full guard, open guard, half guard, butterfly, single leg take down, double leg take down, submissions etc Now they like watching MMA. They aren't in love with it but you never know.

[T.C.W]

it is not more popular, there is 5 times the amount of boxing on cable tv than MMA, in the USA, you have, HBO,Showtime,ESPN,Fox sports net,Telefura,Telemundo, HBO PPV as well and you other independ PPV show as well like that top rank does like Latin fury

What does MMA have UFC 16 PPV shows a year and couple of UFC shows on versus and the other couple of show a year with the other org UFC has for fighters below 155, and showtime strikeforce which has about 10 shows a year and a couple on CBS and a tv show on spike. does spike TV even do free UFC shows anymore or only replays of there PPV's, there would 5 times the amount of shows on TV than MMA,

People stop believing Dana White and the shit that comes out of this idiots mouth

[kel]

it is not more popular, there is 5 times the amount of boxing on cable tv than MMA, in the USA, you have, HBO,Showtime,ESPN,Fox sports net,Telefura,Telemundo, HBO PPV as well and you other independ PPV show as well like that top rank does like Latin fury

What does MMA have UFC 16 PPV shows a year and couple of UFC shows on versus and the other couple of show a year with the other org UFC has for fighters below 155, and showtime strikeforce which has about 10 shows a year and a couple on CBS and a tv show on spike. does spike TV even do free UFC shows anymore or only replays of there PPV's, there would 5 times the amount of shows on TV than MMA,

People stop believing Dana White and the shit that comes out of this idiots mouth

Yep gotta agree, even before getting to your response i thought the subject matter was misleading........... boxing is still a long way in front.

[james4210]

I am so fucking confused. MMA is horribe to watch for me. I can't even get into it. Its just so fucking boring to me. Yet boxing is probably the last run on the ladder, I'm confused. Why do people in the US like this shit?

I personally love boxing and always have. But the problem is. boxing for many people particularly young fans who don't have a lot of cash, is that it has become the invisible sport.

Boxing has been taken away from young people. And it is now the preserve of all the well off older people who can afford the PPV the satellite whatever.

I've got to be careful what I say here, but let's just say certain things are more available than others, and things that young people like seem to be more available hence the spread and popularity.

[fatcity]

If that statement is correct,boxing has know one to blame but itself.They have had a couple hundred years head start.:deal

[Boinko]

I am so fucking confused. MMA is horribe to watch for me. I can't even get into it. Its just so fucking boring to me. Yet boxing is probably the last run on the ladder, I'm confused. Why do people in the US like this shit?

Just because you find something horrible to watch doesn't mean others have to concur.
I find football, Nascar, and baseball as boring as shit and can't understand why anyone would watch them. But many, many people do.
I don't feel the need to bash other sports just because I don't like them.
When a hardcore MMA fan says he dislikes boxing, I tell him the exact same thing.

And I don't agree MMA is necessarily more popular. When boxing has a really big fight, with superstar names, it draws the bigger audiences. MMA (or realistically UFC), has more consistency in the way it delivers it's product and has carved out a very specific niche.

[Schmapps]

And I don't agree MMA is necessarily more popular. When boxing has a really big fight, with superstar names, it draws the bigger audiences. MMA (or realistically UFC), has more consistency in the way it delivers it's product and has carved out a very specific niche.

What is undeniable, however, is that the UFC is way more ingrained in the conciousness of the youth, and casual sports fan right now.

One good test is to bring up fighting next time your with a chick...since they have no idea generally about sports...I bet u will find that they go to bars to watch UFC PPV's and could probably name at least three fighters.

Bring up boxing, you will get a blank stare. This is true for most guys under the age of 25 that i come across as well, unfortunately.

[MattMattMatt]

What is undeniable, however, is that the UFC is way more ingrained in the conciousness of the youth, and casual sports fan right now.

One good test is to bring up fighting next time your with a chick...since they have no idea generally about sports...I bet u will find that they go to bars to watch UFC PPV's and could probably name at least three fighters.

Bring up boxing, you will get a blank stare. This is true for most guys under the age of 25 that i come across as well, unfortunately.

This is the truth in my experience. Whilst some people may have a group of friends that are into boxing, most of them would probably not be suprised if I told them that Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson were fighting a rubber match for the 'world title' next week. They wouldn't have a clue. Where as with MMA, I know quite a few people that are into it, some who you would not expect e.g. petit girls that look like they would scream if a fight broke out.

As a fan of boxing, I feel a little defensive when our sport it critised, but let's be honest - boxing is simply not mainstream anymore. If everything that matters is on PPV, and is in second place with the youth, it's only a matter of time before it loses yet more ground.

Yes, boxing may be able to generate the most money and the biggest fights at the moment, but that is the nature of the game - it is not effectively a monopoly like the UFC (which I appreciate is not all of MMA). Boxing is a like a free-market economy in comparison to the guiding hand used to control the UFC, so it is bound to be somewhat more lucrative at the top end.

If people think that MMA is going to go away, or is just a fad, then I think they are setting themselves up for dissapointment. I think the inevitable progression of MMA is that when the sport is well established, has developed its own rich history, I think the number of fighters will increase and so will the standard of the events. Eventually competitors to the UFC will gain ground and the sport will become fragmented like boxing (with governing bodies being the equivalent) and the top events will generate more money but be more expensive to watch. It's probably just going to end up being exactly like boxing...

[Windigo]

Fewer weight classes
Fewer champoins
Less Ducking

Its what boxing use to be.

[snakeface]

It takes more intelligence to appreciate boxing.

yes.

[Calroid]

Just because you find something horrible to watch doesn't mean others have to concur.
I find football, Nascar, and baseball as boring as shit and can't understand why anyone would watch them. But many, many people do.
I don't feel the need to bash other sports just because I don't like them.
When a hardcore MMA fan says he dislikes boxing, I tell him the exact same thing.

:good

[Calroid]

Boxing is still more popular right now, but the fact that the youth of the USA appear to be following MMA more means that one day MMA may overtake boxing. Ask the same question in another 10-20 years and it may be true.

[codeman99998]

It takes more intelligence to appreciate boxing.

You are such a narcisistic cunt it's not funny.

Me: I like football more than baseball.
You: I like baseball more than football.
Me: Why do you think more people like football than baseball.
You: Only super fucking geniuses like me can appreciate baseball.

Cunt.

[196osh]

You are such a narcisistic cunt it's not funny.

Me: I like football more than baseball.
You: I like baseball more than football.
Me: Why do you think more people like football than baseball.
You: Only super fucking geniuses like me can appreciate baseball.

Cunt.

:rofl:rofl:rofl

:good

[James23]

It takes more intelligence to appreciate boxing.

Interesting. Care to debate that?

[James23]

you are such a narcisistic cunt it's not funny.

Me: I like football more than baseball.
You: I like baseball more than football.
Me: Why do you think more people like football than baseball.
You: Only super fucking geniuses like me can appreciate baseball.

Cunt.

looooooooooooooooooooooooooooool!!!!

[Squire]

I am so fucking confused. MMA is horribe to watch for me. I can't even get into it. Its just so fucking boring to me. Yet boxing is probably the last run on the ladder, I'm confused. Why do people in the US like this shit?

They're an unsophisticated audience

On the other hand so are most Brits. Maybe we just live in unsophisticated times

[James23]

They're an unsophisticated audience

On the other hand so are most Brits. Maybe we just live in unsophisticated times

Funy how guys like you are always saying this garbage but when asked to elaborate, they never can. Never. Not once. Outside of simply slandering further, they can't say anything even remotely resembling "sophisticated".

Care to try?

[Drunkenboxer]

Because MMA in it's current state has less red-tape and bullshit than boxing does.

Your average MMA fight card is a much better product than than your average boxing card.

[Squire]

Funy how guys like you are always saying this garbage but when asked to elaborate, they never can. Never. Not once. Outside of simply slandering further, they can't say anything even remotely resembling "sophisticated".

Care to try?

Dumbed down versions of British comedies and dramas, infantile comedy films, trashy over-produced reality TV shows. Lack of subtlety in general

Don't get me wrong, I consider most modern British culture to be unsophisticated rubbish- but not to the extent of American culture

[cryptic]

fuck mma. fucking homos.

but when the old school boxing gods start moving to mma (james toney, ricardo mayorga, etc.) you know that boxing is losing ground. big time.

[MAYLO]

MMA is not more popular IMO, but its a sport any tough guy feels he can jump into. Now, i dont think its easy to become an MMA fighter but i see all of these random joes who work at furniture stores or just watch a few fights pop up and all of a sudden say, "im an mma fighter now." No bull, i have some boys who just decided to train and end up get KTFO on a local card in town. That is something that cant happen in boxing. You have to train at an early age and work your way through the ametures(most of the time) if you want to even have a shot at having a 50/50 record. I think that has alot to do with it plus MMAs match making and less politics etc, etc. But realistically Mosely/Mayweather will prob do close to 3 mill in PPV and MMA might not do that number for the whole year combined.

[WiDDoW_MaKeR]

It takes more intelligence to appreciate boxing.
I love both sports. I must say that your comment is completely retarded.:good

[john garfield]

When I watch MMA, all I can think about is how sore 'n bruised I was after boxing 'n how MMA guys must have it twice as bad all over their bodies.

[James23]

Dumbed down versions of British comedies and dramas, infantile comedy films, trashy over-produced reality TV shows. Lack of subtlety in general

Don't get me wrong, I consider most modern British culture to be unsophisticated rubbish- but not to the extent of American culture

Very articulate. :patsch

[codeman99998]

Dumbed down versions of British comedies and dramas, infantile comedy films, trashy over-produced reality TV shows. Lack of subtlety in general

Don't get me wrong, I consider most modern British culture to be unsophisticated rubbish- but not to the extent of American culture

I love the argument that, basically, british art is more sophisticated than American art. That is all of the things you listed after all, basically that British cinema and television is more sophisticated than American television and cinema. I guess this is a "cultural sophistication" thing but it seems minor. It doesn't, first of all, take into accounts all of the other mediums of art (American feature films absolutely dominate the world market), American music is played popularly in many non-english countries etc. etc. and this is only addressing the "sophistication" of the culture in art. Let's talk about fighting.

You don't think there is much sophistication involved in the strategy of a very limited rules fight against two professionals using techniques formed in many different unique martial arts? In checkers there are strict regulations regarding how one's pieces can move. In checkers a pieces position matters, but when it comes down to it all of the pieces are the same. In boxing there are strict regulations restricted exactly what type of techniques you are allowed to use to stop your opponent. In boxing not all punches are exactly the same for sure, but when it comes down to it you are always hitting your opponent with your closed fist.

[SouthpawSlayer]

I love the argument that, basically, british art is more sophisticated than American art. That is all of the things you listed after all, basically that British cinema and television is more sophisticated than American television and cinema. I guess this is a "cultural sophistication" thing but it seems minor. It doesn't, first of all, take into accounts all of the other mediums of art (American feature films absolutely dominate the world market), American music is played popularly in many non-english countries etc. etc. and this is only addressing the "sophistication" of the culture in art. Let's talk about fighting.

You don't think there is much sophistication involved in the strategy of a very limited rules fight against two professionals using techniques formed in many different unique martial arts? In checkers there are strict regulations regarding how one's pieces can move. In checkers a pieces position matters, but when it comes down to it all of the pieces are the same. In boxing there are strict regulations restricted exactly what type of techniques you are allowed to use to stop your opponent. In boxing not all punches are exactly the same for sure, but when it comes down to it you are always hitting your opponent with your closed fist.


comparing combat sports to board games :patsch

[codeman99998]

comparing combat sports to board games :patsch

Yea, when it comes to the sophistication. MMA is chess. Boxing is checkers. It's a common analogy to make.

[james4210]

Yea, when it comes to the sophistication. MMA is chess... .

And often about as interesting to watch.

[alex-boxer42]

As a fan of all combat sports, sometimes it takes no intelligence at all to appreciate combat sports in general. Some people are drawn purely to the violence, or are fans of certain fighters based almost entirely on their nationality, or relation.

A deeper appreciation required an understanding of what is really going on in the ring, or cage, as you get to appreciate and recognize the skill, natural ability, talent etc.

Just as there are nuances in boxing, there are just as many, if not more nuances in other combat sports, be it a bjj match, judo match, or MMA match. That you do not appreciate a certain type of combat sport, once you are into one, may have to do with personal taste, but I think in most cases it has to do with ignorance (I mean lack of understanding when I use the word ignorance).. Not intelligence.

Your absolutly right. I should say applied intelligence. I know guys who are pretty intelligent but refuse to appreciate the beauty of boxing, just because they don't really care.