Over the past decade the terms “MMA” and “mainstream” have been used quite often with each other. The debate on whether or not MMA is mainstream will continue for many years to come.
Even when MMA hits mainstream status, will we know it? What does mainstream even mean?
By definition, mainstream is defined as follows:
The ideas, attitudes, or activities that are regarded as normal or conventional; the dominant trend in opinion, fashion, or the arts.
Okay, we have the definition, now let’s see if MMA meets the requirements:
Regarded as normal or conventional? FALSE
The dominant trend in opinion, fashion, or the arts? FALSE
MMA appears to be a ways away from achieving this defined mainstream status, and once fans step outside of their MMA bubble it becomes evident just how little most of the world knows about MMA.
MMA is perceived as a male dominated sport, and rightfully so, it is. However, unlike other professional sports, there aren’t teams to rally around and going to the fights is not something most families think of for a fun night out.
Imagine if Women’s Mixed Martial Arts went beyond Ronda Rousey. If the talent pool begins to fill up with fighters who take up the headlines the way Rousey does, WMMA could develop a lot of momentum that would help the mainstream acceptance of MMA as a whole.
Say what you will about women’s sports, but the success of WMMA can go a long way in helping MMA promotions such as the UFC get into more households.
Recently there has been a surge in the number of young women training in various disciplines of mixed martial arts. If you are fortunate enough to have a UFC Gym near you, take a look at the judo, muay thai, and bjj classes and you are bound to see that half the class are females.
There is something soothing to society about a female participating in a sport that is otherwise dominated by men. It helps give the impression that somehow the sport is safer, and it also gives those young girls somebody to look up to.
As it stands now, WMMA is trying to get itself off the ground. Ronda Rousey versus Miesha Tate was the biggest event in the history of their sport. What appears most alarming is having the entire WMMA hinge on Rousey’s armbar.
There is a wave of hope, however. A female only MMA promotion called Invicta FC recently wrapped up their first card in Kansas City, KS.
Invicta FC President Shannon Knapp appears to have the passion and business plan to at least give WMMA its best opportunity to become a mainstay in the MMA world.
Perhaps the mainstream acceptance of the UFC is more dependant on Invicta’s success than most think.
Follow Joe Chacon on Twitter @JoeChacon
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