UFC 117: MMA imitating pro boxing...Sad day
One of the many things that I have always liked and respected about martial arts and MMA in particular is the time honored tradition of showing respect for your opponent.
I've read many of the classic teachings: Art of war, the Bushido, Book of five rings, Thick face black heart etc...and without exception to disrespect your adversary was both a dishonor and a mistake.
But with the growing mainstream popularity of MMA (and the UFC in particular) one of the lesser aspects of professional boxing is taking root- selling a fight.
Some people call it 'good promoting' but I call it disrespectful, buffoonery and boorish behavior.
Not since I was a little boy watching professional 'wraslin' (also known as wrestling) did I believe that the vast majority of the 'bad blood' or 'beef' was genuine. When I was 8 y.o. I truly believed that Jimmy Superfly Snuka really wanted to kill King Kong Bundy. But I've grown and matured a bit over the last few years.
I've always respected athletes like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Arthur Ashe, Manny Pacquiao, GSP, Ben Smooth Henderson, Randy Couture, Tim Duncan and the like that perform at the highest levels and always choose the high ground.
But now MMA has been infected by the 'ends justify the means' mentality.
If being an ass sells ppv's...please make sure and pull your pants all the way down and spread 'em.
Too bad.
I've read many of the classic teachings: Art of war, the Bushido, Book of five rings, Thick face black heart etc...and without exception to disrespect your adversary was both a dishonor and a mistake.
But with the growing mainstream popularity of MMA (and the UFC in particular) one of the lesser aspects of professional boxing is taking root- selling a fight.
Some people call it 'good promoting' but I call it disrespectful, buffoonery and boorish behavior.
Not since I was a little boy watching professional 'wraslin' (also known as wrestling) did I believe that the vast majority of the 'bad blood' or 'beef' was genuine. When I was 8 y.o. I truly believed that Jimmy Superfly Snuka really wanted to kill King Kong Bundy. But I've grown and matured a bit over the last few years.
I've always respected athletes like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Arthur Ashe, Manny Pacquiao, GSP, Ben Smooth Henderson, Randy Couture, Tim Duncan and the like that perform at the highest levels and always choose the high ground.
But now MMA has been infected by the 'ends justify the means' mentality.
If being an ass sells ppv's...please make sure and pull your pants all the way down and spread 'em.
Too bad.
I hardly think this is a new day. Tito has been making money with these tactics for a decade now. Thanks to Kos, Daley, Hardy, and all the like it seems to be a growing trend unfortunately.
Hype makes money, can't argue facts. Guys like Sonnen may talk, but if they don't walk too it doesn't make a difference how much they yell and wave their arms, you gotta be able to back it up. Sonnen would have never had his shot had he not beaten Okami and Marquardt.
Just like you I prefer honor and professionalism over the spectacle. But I can't deny one of the most exciting fights I ever saw was Chuck beat Tito for a second time. Not just cause Chuck is my favorite fighter, but I loved seeing Tito take another beating, and it wouldn't have been that way had he been a classy individual.
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I think the fineline between true Martial Artist respect and disrespect isn´t defined by the things that you do before the fight, it´s about during and after the fight. I think it´s legitimate to hype the fight and trashtalk before your getting it on, as your not getting to personal (talking about spouses, kids etc.). True disrespect comes if you don´t behave during the fight (showboat and fight dirty) or if you don´t acknowledge your opponent´s performance after you fought, be it because your self absorbed or disappointed because of your own performance. Hyping the fight though is a damn entertaining thing and should be done by a lot more fighters.
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