Growing Sport

The article below is a very interesting read. I agree with the author's sentiments....particularly this quote:

"People vested in MMA often say that is the fastest-growing sport in the world, but that statement is inaccurate and trite. The sport is still growing -- if it were not, there would be no Fox deal for the UFC -- but it is not exploding past the NFL, MLB or NBA, either. More people accept the sport than did 10 years ago, but others remain firmly entrenched in the Davis camp, even if they do not share his exact sentiments.

I know this because I worked in a newsroom for six years. In print media, MMA is only grudgingly accepted, and many in that environment still believe “ultimate fighting” is something kids do at bars on weekends. When someone is killed or injured and a UFC event just happened to be on in the background, you can bet a copy editor is going to make sure “MMA” makes it into the headline, relevant or not. Every sport has its detractors. They say that football causes brain trauma; NBA players are disinterested; baseball takes too long; and the list goes on.

MMA still has its naysayers, as well. We just have to appreciate the passionate, still-growing group that makes it a point to correct them whenever ignorance rears its ugly head."


This is all part of the sport growing I think. Anything new and different will be met with some measure of caution at best and opposition at worst. I was listening to Colin Cowherd a few weeks ago, and he railed on MMA in a similar, albeit more politically correct way. My thoughts were very similar to the article's author when I was listening to Cowherd's opinion that MMA may be too violent. This video made me feel better about it though: Lesnar punks Cowherd

The article is a good read, especially for MMA enthusiasts.

Ignorance is not bliss...