Is the UFC considered a sport?

[rhettyeakley]

I enjoy watching both boxing and MMA, each for completely different reasons.

I like boxing for the classic strategy. I appreciate when a fighter has the chance to systematically take apart a lesser opponent over the course of a fight-something that a fighter rarely has the opportunity to do in the shorter MMA fights (although some MMA fights are longer than 3 rounds)

I like MMA for the interesting matchups that can occur--take tonights UFC fight between Roy Nelson and Brendan Shaub- experience vs. athleticism. MMA certainly is the modern incarnation of Gladiatorial competition--where they would purposely match up different style fighters for an interesting fight. However, when you have two grapplers fighting it gets pretty dull-it's like watching olympic wrestling.

Like I said I love 'em both and don't really understand why boxing fans have such a problem w/ MMA as you can appreciate it for what it is--something completely different. On the flip side I don't understand MMA fans that think boxing is boring-- sure, it can be, but so can a bad MMA fight. I don't agree that MMA is becoming popular at the expense of boxing. I think they can both co-exist and be healthy. However, I still think boxing gloves should be reduced in size slightly.
-Rhett

[teetwoohsix]

Thanks to all who responded(and those who didn't)-
I appreciate and respect everyone's opinion.I could have phrased the title better,for I do know it's a sport-I didn't know if it would be an acceptable topic in this forum or not.
I appreciate both boxing and MMA.Funny story-about a week or so ago my wife and I were at The Palms casino messin' around,and we noticed a group of guys-about 4 guys who were no less than say 6'6" tall,and one guy who looked dwarfed compared to the others.I mean,these big guys looked like serious goliaths-would not mess with them.
My wife said"who are all those bodyguards surrounding?"
I thought maybe it was some famous rapper or something,until I got a better look-it was Mr.Mayweather!!No disrespect to Mr.Mayweather,but he looked a lot smaller in person than the guy I'm used to seeing in the ring(maybe it was the because of the giants he was with).
I do look forward to Mayweathers next fight!!!
Regards,Clayton

[ChiefBenderForever]

Boxing isn't dead but has faded into the background just like baseball did which is really a shame. I blame the remote control symdrome of todays culture. Ali was once the most popular sports personality in the world and today many people don't know any boxers names. Football has become americas national pastime, but take away fantasy football and gambling and how many true fans would be left ? Anyone can wake up monday morning and be all caught up on the whold nfl week in 5 minutes so it's very convienient to keep tabs as opposed to other sports. I will say without any qualms that Nascar is not a sport !

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by teetwoohsix

No disrespect to Mr.Mayweather,but he looked a lot smaller in person than the guy I'm used to seeing in the ring(maybe it was the because of the giants he was with).

Regards,Clayton

He is 5'7" and fights at 147#.

[D. Bergin]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

He is 5'7" and fights at 147#.

Also, unlike most other fighters........he probably walks around at around 147. Most other fighters put on a bit of bulk above their fighting weight between fights.

[Jerry G]

I love 'em both!

One difference that I have noticed is that MMA fighters do not go undefeated for very long. Why? Because they will fight anybody! Which makes for great events for fans. Top boxers on the other hand, will have some gaudy records. This is because they are groomed and managed to score the BIG payday. They will run up their records against opponents that may not rank in the same neighborhood. This builds huge anticipation for the big fight until the money is "right." Probably a good business decision, but as a fan I'm not in that business. I want to see the best fighters fight each other today.

That being said, I have enjoyed some great boxing matches between two guys that are nearly anonymous. Same with MMA.

Ring or cage? Let's get it on!

[smtjoy]

I like em both too. A good fight is a good fight in my eyes, ring or cage matters not.

[Republicaninmass]

I think MMA is more action packed than recent boxing matches. How many 10 second KO's are there in Boxing since Tyson? Also, MMA seems more like and art rather than "how many punches can one take to the head" I havent watched boxing since Hagler/Leonard