MMA- A passing fad? | Thebigtip

 'One of the fastest growing sports today' is a cliche commonly associated with MMA (mixed martial arts). Though viewing figures and gate receipts show how the sport is moving away from this cliche; at the same time cementing itself as one of the biggest ventures in sport today.

The sport has shown an unprecedented growth since the introduction of the first high-profile MMA organisation in 1993 - UFC. The introduction of MMA juxtaposed with the gradual decline of the profile of Boxing however is no coincidence. Though credit has to be given to figure-heads and personalities of the sport such as Dana White (president of the UFC) and Antonio Inoki (organiser of MMA events in Japan). With their tireless efforts to boost the profile of the sport in their native countries and around the globe.

At the same time turning their fighters into commodities- causing fans to delve into their pockets to buy tickets to watch their favourite fighters do battle, or even buy some of the latest merchandise sported by fighters.

The list of superstars and personalities of years gone by are endless in MMA: Royce Gracie (a pioneer of one of the main disciplines in MMA- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu), Ken and Frank Shamrock, Chuck Liddell, Tito Ortiz, Matt Hughes, George St-Pierre, B.J. Penn; the list goes on. Each fighter is known for having their own style and is marketable in their own unique way.

Recently this has been a major problem in boxing, with the sport struggling to create any mega-stars or household names. With only a handful present in the current climate, including: Manny Pacquiao, the Klitschko brothers and Floyd Mayweather Jr (not active at the moment)

The sport of Boxing seems to be a long way away from great eras such as those of the 80's where legends such as Duran, Hagler, Hearns and Ray Leonard were prominent. And the 70's where Ali, Frasier and Foreman lit up the sport. Many argue that these two eras were the best the sport has seen and the current climate of the sport seems a long way away from this.

Boxing finds itself in a desperate condition at present, failing to get funding that was evident in years gone- by, many critics have concluded that such problems are not a result of events taking place inside the ring, but poor marketing outside of it.

Don King- an iconic boxing promoter; loved by some, loathed by many, for his ruthless and at times selfish approach to the sport. Many view the man as a person only interested in the financial gains and has no regard for his fighters or the sport.

Though there is no doubting the way fans appreciated certain legends of the sport was helped by the promotion of King. In much the same way Dana White promotes the UFC today. King, responsible for the promotion of some of the biggest fighters of boxing: Tyson, Ali and Jones Jr but to name a few.

The promoters work in recent years has been limited due to age, though could it be that the declining nature of boxing may need a new Don King to save it? Although the idea may seem far-fetched, it can be backed up with gate receipts and viewing figures falling dramatically in recent years.

In much the same way boxing has enjoyed an extended run as one of the biggest sports in the world,  only time will tell if MMA will manage to keep the fans intrigued for years to come, or whether it is just a passing fad.

Though I do believe both boxing and MMA can learn from each other in promotional terms. This can be the difference between a sport being a multi-billion pound industry and a trend for sports fans. Although I have heaped praise on figures of the sport such as Dana White, I do believe a time will come when such figures (White) need to take a backseat in order for the sport to be taken forward.

My opinion is that within the organisation- Dana White has become a prominent figure (which could be to the organisations detriment). I believe the sport should be all about the fighters and their preparation going into certain fights.

Very often the shenanigans taking place within the UFC are akin to a soap opera or that of WWE, unfortunately of these events taking place White seems to be central more often than not; an example including the recent spat between himself and Tito Ortiz.

With the UFC being the pinnacle of MMA, I believe it is time for the organisation to adapt to consumer interests in much the same way many great sports have around the world. With an attempt to focus more on the artistry and styles of fighting and hopefully extinguish the Hollywood politics taking place within the organisation.