The Future of MMA

Editorial by Wayne Kerr

MMA is one of the fastest growing sports across the planet, and with that comes ever increasing competition. With so many companies vying for top position and only a limited number of PPV companies it is becoming ever more important that companies do what they can to stand out. To understand the future of MMA we have to begin by looking into the past.

Fighting, punch ups, tear ups or whatever you would like to call it as been a hobby for ordinary people since the days of the Roman Empire. Originally invented in Sparta by the Lacedaemonians due to the complete absence of lawn bowl facilities, it eventually grew so popular that it filled stadiums across Italy. In later times the pioneers of football hooliganism, the Barbarians, were the first to introduce international fighting, and did so purely for sport, that it truly wasn't until the middle ages that it died out for a short period.

The origins of recreational fighting were lost for at least four hundred years and almost completely disappeared with the invention of the gun. What was once a celebrated pastime disappeared to the bars and ports across the world, a world which suddenly valued man's ability to write poetry, or to use latin words incorrectly, above the simple fact of hand to hand combat ability.

It is with these thoughts in mind I want to outline five suggestions that could be introduced by Innovative MMA companies to really mark their place in the world.

Aren't we all bored of the word fighting? From the Ultimate Fighting whatever it is, to numerous other companies, it ultimately(see what I did there) casts a poor light over our sport. Let us replace the word 'Fighting' from all championships with the word 'Fisticuffs' and reignite the imagination of fans the world over. Mixed Martial Arts is meant to encompass all martial arts and yet until now has omitted quite probably the greatest the world has ever seen... Drunken Monkey Kung Fu. (If you doubt me check on YouTube) Canvasses are among the dullest items in existence. They are used in Boxing and Wrestling and add nothing to the challenge of hand to hand combat. I propose that we replaces canvasses with trampolines. Imagine how much higher a high kick could be? Who else is sick of fighters starting a round cold after sitting on their stools for half a minute? They are meant to be athletes. Why not replace the stools with pogo sticks? Not only would it make coaches talks more interesting but it would add a layer of challenge to the best cut men. And finally judges decisions. Let's be honest their is a clear reason why they are the most hated in our sport. Get rid of them. Instead why not force the fighters into a dance off. Yes they may be battered and bruised but that's no excuse for not having rhythm, after all they are meant to be entertainers.

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