The art of boxing has long since been dubbed “The Sweet Science,” but if a single-faceted combat sport is the sweet science, then we must asked ourselves the title question.
While boxing itself has been likened to chess, that moniker fits MMA much better. Why?
Boxing, at its most basic level, is a punching only sport. This we know. But its sister sport of MMA demands a much greater respect from all angles.
The bevy of different moves work favorably in the multi-dimensional sport. Not just punches, but kicks, knees, takedowns, submissions and much more plays into the combatant’s mind during a fight. Is the opponent going to stand and strike or is he going to attempt a takedown? And when? A plethora of options are bestowed upon those who enter the cage.
Chess is a thinking man’s game. MMA is too. And all other sports for that matter. Coaches and managers are constantly planning their next move.
When someone says “the sweet science,” we immediately know they are talking about boxing. While chess works in helping to explain the intricacies of the sport and the importance of staying ahead of your opponent, it will never be synonymous with MMA. So let’s move on from that notion.
Perhaps MMA should roll with the “ballet of violence” line Joe Rogan once uttered on a UFC broadcast. Granted former Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura also said that about professional wrestling. Regardless of where the line came from, it applies to MMA.
While the “ballet of violence” quote was discussing Anderson Silva‘s fights, it does fit the sport in general.
Ballet is a very technical and precise form of dance. It takes years to master and requires a distinct dedication from those who pursue its excellence. MMA is a very technical and precise form of combat that demands the same dedication from its participants.
As the sport continues to grow and fighters learn the techniques of various martial arts, the quality of fights continues to rise. Just a few years ago we were not discussing proper footwork and head movements of fighters. Nor were we watching strikers develop credible ground attacks. Now we are constantly being surprised at the rate of improvement from the athletes.
Couple that with the innate dangers of the sport and the oft-quoted line has moved past describing one particular fighter and now describes the sport at its elite level. Maybe the “ballet of violence” is the right choice of words for MMA. In years to come it may be the adopted adage of the fast-growing combat sport.
What say you? How would you describe the sport of mixed martial arts? Take to the comment section and post your best idea.
No matter how we choose to describe the sport it is merely important to understand how complex MMA truly is. While we will always be subjected to random brawls with little redeeming value from time to time, MMA at the sport’s highest level is a beautiful display of skill by some of the finest athletes in the world.
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