Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

Essay # 106422

This paper explores whether interest in mixed martial arts (MMA) will surpass interest in the traditional sport of boxing.

1,450 words () | 6 sources | MLA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that boxing is beginning to lose some of its appeal to younger audiences, who, having been raised on bloodthirsty video games and extreme sports, and are hankering for more action and more violence than can be seen in the traditional boxing ring. The paper further explains that the growing interest in MMA sports not only wreaks havoc on its participants but on the boxing industry as well; not only is boxing losing fans to MMA but it is losing some of its leaders and participants as well. The paper then discusses some of the reasons for the appeal of MMA sports and concludes that, in the end, it remains to be seen what the future holds for both sports but most fans are hoping that neither becomes a permanent casualty.

From the Paper:

"Controversy is perhaps another reason for the growing popularity of MMA, as it has certainly had its share of media attention and heated discussion. Boxing, which has been around for centuries, has always sparked controversy about its violent nature as well, but when something fresh and innovative enters the scene, people are quick to forget the old and concentrate on the new. As we all know, the more controversial something is, the more popular it is likely to be."

Sample of Sources Used:

Goldstein, Jeffrey H. Sports, Games, and Play: Social and Psychological Viewpoints, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1989 .
Greisman, David P., "Fighting Words" - Four Crucial Weeks for Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts, Boxing News, May 28, 2007, http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&id=8823
Imrem, Mike, UFC's Popularity No Surprise, Daily Herald, Arlington Heights, IL, May 27, 2007, p. 1.
Loverro, Thom, Fierce Foe for Boxing, The Washington Times, July 17, 2006, p. C01
Loverro, Thom, UFC Boxes out Spot in Sports Marketplace, The Washington Times, March 9, 2007, p. C01.