The UFC has quickly become the largest mixed martial arts organization in the world over the last few years, although has faced a lot of criticism in doing so. Where many other companies have fallen by the wayside for one reason or another, the UFC has managed to remain profitable while also retaining many of the worlds best fighters. Complete dominance is generally not good for any sport however, and there are many people who think that the UFC being so powerful is systematically ruining mixed martial arts.
Because the UFC is often all people associate with martial arts, they often think that if they turn up to a kung fu class that they will be taught how to fight in a cage. However despite the fact that this sport is called mixed martial arts, most fighters have developed a hybrid style of their own which is useful for fighting rather than self defense. Certainly mixed martial arts is a more complete system than many traditional martial arts, but does tend to lead many people to discount them entirely.
The effect of the influence of the UFC on martial arts is somewhat similar to the effect that Bruce Lee has in the 70s. People see someone who has trained all of their life in order to be able to do the things that thy can, and get into martial arts for the wrong reasons. Many traditional martial arts practitioners have now ended up in mixed martial arts simply because there is money to be made there, but in reality the difference between the two disciplines is vast.
The often foul mouthed manager of the UFC, Dana White is certainly a polarizing character, and seemingly favors certain fighters over others. Despite the fact that he has undoubtedly achieved great things in the sport, his frequent unprofessional conduct and highly publicized feuds with certain fighters tends to make the sport look bad. When a figurehead as prominent and visible as White says things out of turn, then it not only affects the UFC, but every other mixed martial arts company as well. When people not familiar with the sport see someone acting in this way, they will tend to associate this kind of behavior with the entire industry rather than just the biggest company.
Because the UFC is often all people associate with martial arts, they often think that if they turn up to a kung fu class that they will be taught how to fight in a cage. However despite the fact that this sport is called mixed martial arts, most fighters have developed a hybrid style of their own which is useful for fighting rather than self defense. Certainly mixed martial arts is a more complete system than many traditional martial arts, but does tend to lead many people to discount them entirely.
The effect of the influence of the UFC on martial arts is somewhat similar to the effect that Bruce Lee has in the 70s. People see someone who has trained all of their life in order to be able to do the things that thy can, and get into martial arts for the wrong reasons. Many traditional martial arts practitioners have now ended up in mixed martial arts simply because there is money to be made there, but in reality the difference between the two disciplines is vast.
The often foul mouthed manager of the UFC, Dana White is certainly a polarizing character, and seemingly favors certain fighters over others. Despite the fact that he has undoubtedly achieved great things in the sport, his frequent unprofessional conduct and highly publicized feuds with certain fighters tends to make the sport look bad. When a figurehead as prominent and visible as White says things out of turn, then it not only affects the UFC, but every other mixed martial arts company as well. When people not familiar with the sport see someone acting in this way, they will tend to associate this kind of behavior with the entire industry rather than just the biggest company.
|
|