Tough Road for MMA MMA has come a long way since being stereotyped as a “barbaric blood sport” but its path is still full of road blocks. Athletic Commissions and Government bodies are still against the sanctioning of the sport in many popular cities around the world. Many boxing organizations believe MMA fans are described as a bunch of skinhead white guys covered in tattoos rolling around on the ground. Some have even gone as far as describing MMA as being homosexual like. The fact of the matter is that most Athletic

Commissions are full of ex-boxers and boxing promoters which influence the decision of not sanctioning mixed martial arts in their respective location.

Many other Athletes from various sports like football and baseball have crossed over to become mixed martial art fighters. They all agree that the conditioning and mental aspect of mixed martial arts is on a higher level when compared to in their previous professional sport. MMA benefits them in several ways; they watch their nutrition and conditioning more closely and are under heavier surveillance when it comes to drug usage.

Commissions hide behind the criminal code stating that MMA doesn't meet the criminal code exemption granted to boxing.  But how can a province or state within the same country allow MMA and others cannot? It’s obvious that it has less to do with legal issues and more to do with their likes or dislikes. Some event promotions have been able to side step the law by incorporating what they call “Mixed Boxing” or go as far as not paying the fighters for their efforts.

With the economy on a downturn, MMA has survived and thrived in these hard times. When MMA events are held it has been proven that local businesses generate more revenue from fans attending the event. Businesses such as restaurants, hotels and other tourist attractions gain much needed revenue. And not to mention tax revenue for the hosting city (sales tax, hotel occupancy tax, personal income tax, business income tax, boxing/exhibitions tax, auto rental tax).

Combat sports have always been a part of our history and will continue to be. There’s nothing like two highly skilled fighters competing one on one. These athletes dedicate their life to the sport and they give it all they got in a fight which is truly inspiring.  It’s only a matter of time before the world starts warming up to MMA. When the old boxing fans generation begins to filter out we will begin to see more sanctioned events which in turn will cause a monopoly of new businesses like training gyms, clothing and gear stores and supplement stores. We must come together to help MMA lose its outlaw status.

By Will Costa
FightPromo.ca