THE ULTIMATE FIGHTING SPORT: Three Reasons Why MMA Should Not Be Banned

With its roots tracing back to the ancient Greco-Roman fighting sport known as Pankration, Mixed Martial Arts or MMA, a full contact combat sport, brings together techniques from almost all types of fighting schools. From Brazilian Jui-Jitsu (BJJ), aikido, karate, kung fu, judo, taekwondo, kickboxing, wrestling, muay Thai, boxing and many more, MMA’s unique blend of fighting techniques, styles and discipline has captured the attention of professional fighters all around the world.

Mixed Martial is not for the faint hearted. It’s a no-holds-barred type, weaponless combat sport where professional tournaments are held throughout the USA and Europe. Although each technique and style employed with every fighting move is geared towards winning, professional MMA competitions are not a fight to the death. MMA adheres to regulations and rules.

There are many reasons why Mixed Martial Arts should not be banned. Here are just three of the most relevant reasons.

The first is the obvious reason that every fight is regulated just like in any sport. A set of rules govern every fight. There are forty-six states in the US that has passed legislation in legalizing professional MMA competitions as of now.

The second reason is all about health. Different strength-enhancing disciplines are learned through MMA. Practitioners can increase their stamina, strength and endurance with the numerous fundamental exercises followed in the various fighting styles. With proper training, the combative skills are considered to be the ultimate form of exercise, a complete workout. Every movement learned increases muscle development and strength. Vitals are also monitored and enhanced.

The third reason why MMA shouldn’t be banned is it is a weaponless fighting sport. Yes, every kick, punch or grapple can be as lethal as using weapons, but the severity of the blows is not as fatal compared to professional boxing. Like in any contact sport, there are injuries incurred but are otherwise minimized since competitions are regulated and only trained fighters are allowed in the ring.

Even with the various arguments regarding safety issues in professional MMA competitions, the pros offset the cons. It may look violent, a true manifestation of the most basic of human instinct for violence, but as long as there is proper training and fighters are monitored by their respective coaches, MMA is not dangerous. It is a sport and practitioners follow a set of rules and principles that are in no way near any intent to kill and, therefore, should not be banned.