| When talking about the world's fastest growing sport, | | | | gone on between rival organizations and their |
| Mixed Martial Arts, the topic of MMA vs. Boxing and | | | | management teams. Obviously, the first to come to |
| which is more entertaining, always seems to find it's | | | | mind to most would be Dana White. Or "Diva White" |
| way into the conversation. It's a debate that strikes a | | | | as some like to refer to the man responsible for the |
| nerve with purists of both sports, but fun to discuss. | | | | resurgence of not only the UFC, but Mixed Martial Arts |
| As a fan of both sports, I hate to see what the world | | | | in general. It's hard to knock a person responsible for |
| of boxing has done to itself. Yes, most would point to | | | | putting MMA back on the map, but he seems to be at |
| Don King and the corruption that has gone hand in | | | | the core of some of the problems that have risen with |
| hand with the sport for decades, but the problem is | | | | the negotiations that have gone on to put on fights |
| even more than that. The problem is the fact that fans | | | | between different promotions. This not only causes a |
| are getting more action, excitement, and entertainment | | | | loss for the parties involved, but really for the fans that |
| value for their dollar compared to boxing. | | | | want to see these matchups of the worlds greatest |
| The eroding interest in boxing and it's fan base starts | | | | fighters, but probably will never get to witness. |
| with the lack of quality free fights being broadcast on | | | | It is my opinion though, that we as MMA fans should |
| television over the course of the year. In contrast, the | | | | be thankful for Dana White's ability along with the |
| UFC, which is MMA's largest fight promotion has | | | | Fertitta brothers to launch the sport into the spotlight |
| several free "fight nights" airing on free television that | | | | and continue to parlay that growth into a rabid fan |
| have title implications in the ranks. StrikeForce just | | | | base. I would love to see the boxing world get itself |
| made waves with the signing of the world's best | | | | back on track with a great 2010 with the likes of |
| pound for pound fighter in Fedor Emelianenko. They will | | | | Manny Pacquiao. This fighter embodies everything I |
| try to make "Fedor" a household name, powered by | | | | ever loved about the sport. Skill, a fierce inner drive, |
| the fact that they have an ongoing deal with CBS for | | | | heart, and guts. But as I write this article, the mega fight |
| several free broadcasts a year. | | | | between Pacman and Floyd Mayweather Jr. is in peril |
| Unlike boxing, in MMA the sports biggest figures are all | | | | due to blood testing issues. |
| well known and followed, while boxing fans cling to | | | | For the new year let's hope as fans of combat sports, |
| thoughts of Oscar De La Hoya and Roy Jones Jr. | | | | that boxing continues to build on the momentum they |
| Boxing has way too many belts and weight divisions | | | | have entering the year, and that the "business as |
| to stay relevant to the masses. What average boxing | | | | usual" mentality that has for so long plagued the sport |
| fan can name all the belt holders at all the different | | | | will not ruin maybe the biggest fight of any type in |
| weights? Not many I imagine. MMA has less weight | | | | history. And for the owners, CEO's, and bean counters |
| classes, but truly dominate fighters that hold the belts. | | | | of Mixed Martial Arts' biggest promotions, can't we all |
| Unfortunately, the problem with today's MMA | | | | just get along? |
| landscape, is the feuding and showmanship that has | | | | |