MMA is different from other sports. Not in the level of violence or even media criticism, but in how it is covered and reported.
Open the local paper and you will see break downs, stats and predictions for just about every other legitimate sport, except mixed martial arts.
The vast majority of major metropolitan newspapers don't seem too interested in releasing fighter interviews or event results, or even advertising the fights to begin with.
To be a fan of mixed martial arts you have to have a certain level of dedication. To understand the game, you have to pay attention. The answers don't being and end with Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson. It is too hard to be an armchair MMA fan.
For the most part, you either understand mixed martial arts or you don't.
When former UFC light heavyweight champ Quinton "Rampage" Jackson was arrested earlier this week, the Internet media was flooded with reports. Soon after MMA forums were filled with everyone's two cents. Not just fans of the game, but every chuckle head that can effectively hunt-and-peck on a QWERTY keyboard their short hand text-messaging lingo.
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And, granted, this is to be expected. Then "the pros" decided to put in their angle on what transpired and how it affects mixed martial arts as a whole. By pros I mean people that appear on any of the dozen ESPN channels and their affiliates.
One question in particular stood out: How does this affect mixed martial arts
Answer: This is the worst thing that could have happened to mixed martial arts.
Anyone regular to this forum doesn't quite understand that answer, until you stop and realize that the person saying it has probably never seen a fight.
Reports are that Rampage will be undergoing psychological evaluation and to critics this means that a crazy man is competing in a violent sport.
Really?!
For some reason the critics have chosen to forget about incidents including, but not limited to Mike Tyson, Chris Benoit, Michael Vick (yes, dog fighting is a product of mental illness), Pacman Jones, Mark Chimura and any the other hundreds of professional athletes that have been arrested and convicted of a crime.
However, it seems that when a fighter in mixed martial arts commits a crime, it is a worst case scenario and evidence of how mentality unbalanced and brutal competitors are.
Let's call this what it is: an incident.
It happened. It is unfortunate that it happened and it is lucky that no one was seriously injured. Rampage has evidently taken his loss to current UFC light heavyweight champ Forrest Griffin very hard and had a difficult time coming to grips with defeat.
These things happen with stockbrokers, postal workers and bus drivers, too, but people still buy stock, buy stamps and ride the bus. A fighter having a break down is the same as anyone else, it is just because they are in the public eye that everything is more severe.
This is not a black mark on MMA (Kimbo is a black mark on MMA). It is a person having a break down who happens to be a fighter. Let's leave it at that.
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about 1 month ago
great erticle I agree, Its kind of unfair the way MMA is treated in the media. Great insight. I also hate kimbo too. haha
from about 1 month ago
Dana White has said it before in interviews, people are waiting for mixed martial artists to screw up and/or die competing so that they can label it the way they want to instead of accepting it for what it is.
from about 1 month ago
Mr. Jon Grilz ,
I agree with your opinion with how the News will make an ant hill into a mountain. Your reference to other athletes in other sports, who have had their own "black sheep" no pun intended and their respected sport is pressing on. And I would like to point out that you have been the only one who's analysis seems to fit the actions of Rampage and that it an physiological break down.
However, your last paragraph i would have to disagree that Kimbo is a "black mark on MMA". My opinion is that Kimbo is just like any blue collar guy trying to make a living. I do believe that any function that deals with MMA has shown that the Martial arts can be learned and applied by anyone. I hope to see MMA continue strong and not stigma fighters like Kimbo that come from the streets to fight and say they are less worthy opponents. As I notice the trend of "MMA" fighters are preferred from known camps vs walk on from the street. To me it's equivalent to the daft of any major league sport from college students. You no longer see walk ons from regular folk. At least I have not. I do understand that we want great fighters to provide the best shows. But to say that a fighter must be someone recognized or come from a known camp to be a fighter, I believe is the black mark to MMA.
Izzy
from about 1 month ago
I apologize in the misinterpretation that came from the Kimbo line. It isn't that I think Kimbo is the black mark as much as the media and internet coverage has made him to be the greatest to ever play the game. The hype has over taken his ability and made MMA seem like it is just a youtube byproduct.
It isn't Kimbo's fault, but it happened through him. He was just a catalyst, not the cause.
about 1 month ago
I was disappointed to see that Jim Rome wasn't hosting his show. He is one of the few sports talk "experts" that get MMA and has been very fair to the sport. Rampage was a guest right before the title fight, and I'm sure Rome wouldn't have thrown him under the bus like what happened today on the show.
from about 1 month ago
No, he wouldn't have thrown him under the bus, he probably would have just side-swiped him and drove off. Sorry, I couldn't help it.
The more I see these "analysts" talk about MMA, the more I realize that MMA is one of the only sports you can't BS your way through. Either you know what you are talking about or you don't. Those guys didn't.
about 1 month ago
Yeah, okay. Here's another "incident".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADq3pmB7uFo
Some role model.
from about 1 month ago
That link didn't work for me.
I didn't, nor did the other commentators, say Rampage was a role model. In fact, I don't think any combat fighter should be a role model. I like the affect of martial arts on kids because it teaches discipline, however, if you don't have a certain level of maturity, the savagery of the sport could do more harm than good.
about 1 month ago
My comment was in response to the article.
The URL in my post will work if it's copied and pasted into your browser.
from about 1 month ago
I reiterate, I never called Rampage Jackson, nor any mixed martial artist a role model.
The video worked this time, but I'm having trouble seeing what is wrong with it. Have you ever heard NFL players micked up? Read lips of a MLB manager on a close call? Been to an NBA game? I think that joking about a jock strap is towards the bottom of "unacceptable behavior" by a professional athlete.
If anything, I say, if you got it, flaunt it.
about 1 month ago
Good article. Mixed martial artists get stereotyped unfairly all the time. It's unfortunate, as the sport and its athletes have a lot of positive stuff to offer to society. Nice job!
from about 1 month ago
Thanks, David.
about 1 month ago
Rampage's rampage incident just shows how human all athletes are. Some athletes are not rolemodels, especially combat athletes. I do agree with Jon, there needs to be a certain amount of maturity for one to truly appreciate MMA or combat sports. Combat sports are like a "R" rated movies or TV show. They should not be viewed by a young audience. Personally, that is why I have chosen to practice Jiu-Jitsu, despite it's contraversal fighting style. Their is no striking in Jiu-Jitsu. I feel good about teaching young children to grapple and defend themselves rather than teaching them how to strike. Although, I love MMA and always will. Great athletes. You can't judge the actions of one individual on the entire sport. If we did that. No sport is safe.
from about 1 month ago
Great response and great analogy.
Out of curiosity, why do you believe that jiu-jitsu is controversial?
from about 1 month ago
Well, it not something that I personally believe. I think its a pretty solid and straight forward fighting or self defense combat system. That comment was based off of the other threads I have read. It seems Jiu-Jitsu, by some, isn't as widely accepted to some as I had originally thought. It may have to be something with the Gracies. I like the Gracies a lot. I have met a few and they are humble and great teachers. Jiu-Jitsu, by itself is not a fully complete fighting system. I believe a MMA fighter has to learn stand up and a gound fighting system. Whether that be catch, wrestling, judo, sambo other ground fighting systems. For me, Jiu-Jistu is the best way to express myself. Another person may prefer something else.
from about 1 month ago
Interesting. I feel like brazilian jiu-jitsu is the most complete singular fighting system, designed for street fighting. However, it is obvious from MMA competition has shown it is not enough against well rounded fighters.
from about 1 month ago
Singular fighting system, yes. I call boxing a one-dimensional fighting system because that is exactly what it is. Trying to explain submissions and ground fighting to a boxer is trying to teach a one-dimensional beings a two dimensional world. BJJ, in some ways is no different. BJJ may be 100 times more effective than boxing but anybody has a punchers chance. Striking is the most primitave way to hurt an individual but so is grabbing. Now as we advance we are learning to grab an individual and hurt or sumbit them without throwing strikes. I believe a MMA fighter has to have more than Jiu-Jitsu. But we are talking about people who know how to defend BJJ. Thats why it is called MMA.
from about 1 month ago
In all fairness, it seems like there are fewer and fewer fighters that really have great submission defense... even guys that are supposed brown or black belts. But you are right, it is mixed martial arts and you can find a certain amount of success being excellent at one area, but not for long.
about 1 month ago
I've been on my e-soapbox about this event since it happened and I agree with you. However, I will go on to say this:
MMA does NOT have a good reputation or public understanding yet. The fighters, promoters, and even the fans need to be on their best behaviour at all times to avoid damaging setbacks like this.
I think you're preaching to the choir here and anyone that reads your article is going to agree with you but (as you mentioned) the chuckleheads just hear what they want to hear and will never see this post.
MMA must have the utmost in professional athletes and exemplify sportsmanship in EVERY way, in and out of the ring/cage. Otherwise we are doomed to spend another 20 years of being misunderstood and labeled as hooligans.
from about 1 month ago
Interesting point, but isn't that a bit unfair when it comes to mainstream sports. If you look at sports like baseball, football and boxing, these sports were filled with alcoholics and wife beaters, however, the game was held on its own standard.
It is only because of the media age that we live in that the athletes are held to a higher standard. The sport should be viewed for what it is, not what the competitors do outside. Otherwise, we have to stop watching all pro sports.
about 1 month ago
The Rampage "incident" which is a shame. Yet I still wouldnt say its the worst thing that could happen to MMA. It isnt good at all for Rampage, but I believe He will come back and he will fight again, He is too valuable to the UFC, Dana White will get him back to where he needs to be, and everyone will eat it up because its a feel good comeback good story(especially if he wins the title again, I will go on record now as saying he will) Of course this gonna make national headlines, all the analysts and media heads are gonna talk shit no matter what, its theyre job! Everyone slows down to see the accident, when theyre driving down the highway.
You had alot of good points. I bet peta didnt know who the hell Michael Vick was before his Incident either. Now the whole world knows who Rampage is, and not for the reasons he would like them too. So yes they are gonna make him sound like a loose cannon, which he definetly is not. Its a shame but the media does it to everyone I mean look at TmZ they go out and toture celebs and make them look like shit on a daily basis.
I think the "real" MMA fans are probably what makes me laugh the most in situations like this. There is such a die hard mentality like a casual fan couldnt grasp the concept of MMA. You point out the "arm chair fans" and "chuckle heads" you say how they dont understand this or that about MMA. At the same time you complain about how were not respected and covered in other aspects of media, we dont have a stats section or advertisments in the newspaper? I liked that personally. Look at boxing which has been arround for over a hundred years. They dont have stats in the paper yet either, nor are they advertised. and that probably will never happen anyway.
from about 1 month ago
But that is kind of my point. I like that true fans really know the sport and that no just anyone can learn, but I get frustrated at the never ending barrage of Kimbo fans or MMA haters that have seen one even (thanks EliteXC) and think they know what they are talking about.
I'm still on the fence as to whether or not sports coverage would help or hurt the sport. I'm leaning towards help, because then at least the misconceptions would get cleared up.
about 1 month ago
I agree with your points but this is kinda bummin me out before the big fights tonight haha. Where are those articles on the front page?
from about 1 month ago
God, I can't wait for the Afflication fights. I look forward to Fedor, but I really want to see Babalu and Whitehead. Should be a nasty fight.
about 1 month ago
Although he broke the law and will be punished and deservedly so....,I feel very badly for Rampage Jackson and his family.I believe there is mental illness all around us and this young man obviously suffers from some form of depression and violence is his " fix". Let's just hope that Dana White steps up to the plate and lends the man and the sport some support. The sport will take a hit and plenty of bad publicity will follow. Hey I'm a HUGE ufc and mma fan from waaaaaaay back. Quite honestly Dana White has become the face of ufc and the fighters (the good citizens) should be and not him!!!!!Personally, I love the ultimate fighter show .....but despise the house destruction episodes.......It really sickens me and I am not alone!!
about 1 month ago
Mental illness affects over 50% of the population. Why should MMA not be subjected to those statistics? If anything you should see higher numbers in the sport. Those guys are under intense scrutiny and put themselves through extreme mental and physical punishments. I love the sport but it's no wonder there are some casualties.
from about 1 month ago
It is a combat sport; inherently violent. No doubt filled with a lot of double-y chromosome men with dark pasts. Everyone fights for a reason, lets just hope that mental instability isn't a common occurrence.
about 1 month ago
Great comments, even better article. I feel for Mr. Jackson and I hope that he is alright. I think he is a spectacular competitor, when he wins or loses. Lets all hope that he comes back even better than before. Get better Rampage!! Then kick Kimbo in the balls!
from about 1 month ago
Thanks a lot. I really appreciate the compliment.
Let's just hope Rampage comes back at all and these just makes people aware of the dangerous and possibilities of being a fighter.
about 1 month ago
As a person who has had to undergo several rounds of steroids due to having Multiple Sclerosis and several very painful episodes, I feel I can speak on the issue of Mental health/illness. While doctors have tried some fifteen different medical solutions to help my depression which goes hand in hand with MS, I have experienced episodes of rage and mania and am now considered to be bipolar as a trade off of having a reaction to the steroids. The ups and downs that I have experienced before finding relief have been truly horrendous--I would never wish them on my meanest critics.
I was wondering if Rampage had been put on a medicine for depression which made him lose his alter ego in his fight against Forrest. Now that I have found a medical solution, I can not work up to a rage even if there is cause. Yes, medication for depression can take away your urge to fight and even become violent. As Rampage entered the ring and howled I felt something was missing. This rage was erased for me, thank God, and I can only speculate what was the situation with my favorite fight guy, but I know from my own experience that the adrenaline rush is deadened by medication; a person who is in a fight can be hurt very badly. I never used to feel pain when I was in a rage so I feared nothing. Fortunately I have three strong men who have held me back on many occassions when I was feeling invinsable. This may seem hilarious to readers, but in real life it is not funny at all. If Jackson was on any of these medications he would have been like superman in a ring full of Kryptonite.
I can only imagine what a terrifying position that would be to find yourself in. Being the honest old reprobate I am, I am telling this to readers who I hope will not use the mental health/illness issue against me. Of course you can if you want to, I am past that stage in life where I take offence at much anyway.
Loved your article and hope the stigma that surounds mental illness and the sport of MMA can someday be erradicated by educating people on both subjects.
from about 1 month ago
If mental illness is what it takes to write and contribute at the level you do to this site, I hope we all get a little of what you have. Thanks so much, Dorothy!
from about 1 month ago
Great comment, interesting theory, however the fighters are tested for quite a few things before they are cleared to fight. For example Tim Creduer tested positive for aderal and was not cleared to fight because of the effects it can have, its not safe to have a fighter on mood altering drugs. I dont think that if he was on any anti depressants he would be cleared to fight as these guys have to be cleared by doctors to fight. They need to be mentaly as well as physicaly stable. Rampage was out classed pure and simple. He fought and to be honest I believe he fought well just didnt finish. Griffin did exactly what he needed to do to win, I dont think anything was missing.
from about 1 month ago
A person who is bipolar, or even depressed has an imbalance of naturally occuring chemicals in the brain. There are tests for these chemicals, but since they occur in every living person's brain
they are not substances liable to be "outlawed."
about 1 month ago
Mr. Jon Grilz , I agree with your opinion with how the News will make an ant hill into a mountain. Your reference to other athletes in other sports, who have had their own "black sheep" no pun intended and their respected sport is pressing on. And I would like to point out that you have been the only one who's analysis seems to fit the actions of Rampage and that it an physiological break down. However, your last paragraph i would have to disagree that Kimbo is a "black mark on MMA". My opinion is that Kimbo is just like any blue collar guy trying to make a living. I do believe that any function that deals with MMA has shown that the Martial arts can be learned and applied by anyone. I hope to see MMA continue strong and not stigma fighters like Kimbo that come from the streets to fight and say they are less worthy opponents. As I notice the trend of "MMA" fighters are preferred from known camps vs walk on from the street. To me it's equivalent to the daft of any major league sport from college students. You no longer see walk ons from regular folk. At least I have not. I do understand that we want great fighters to provide the best shows. But to say that a fighter must be someone recognized or come from a known camp to be a fighter, I believe is the black mark to MMA. Izzy
about 1 month ago
Mr. Jon Grilz , I agree with your opinion with how the News will make an ant hill into a mountain. Your reference to other athletes in other sports, who have had their own "black sheep" no pun intended and their respected sport is pressing on. And I would like to point out that you have been the only one who's analysis seems to fit the actions of Rampage and that it an physiological break down. However, your last paragraph i would have to disagree that Kimbo is a "black mark on MMA". My opinion is that Kimbo is just like any blue collar guy trying to make a living. I do believe that any function that deals with MMA has shown that the Martial arts can be learned and applied by anyone. I hope to see MMA continue strong and not stigma fighters like Kimbo that come from the streets to fight and say they are less worthy opponents. As I notice the trend of "MMA" fighters are preferred from known camps vs walk on from the street. To me it's equivalent to the daft of any major league sport from college students. You no longer see walk ons from regular folk. At least I have not. I do understand that we want great fighters to provide the best shows. But to say that a fighter must be someone recognized or come from a known camp to be a fighter, I believe is the black mark to MMA. Izzy
about 1 month ago
I don't understand your article. When did people let Benoit, Vick, Tyson, or Pacman off the hook?
from about 1 month ago
It isn't so much that they were let off the hook as much as their actions were not deemed "detrimental" to their individual sports. Their actions were looked at as personal mistakes and didn't seem to have any impact on their sport as a whole.
Meanwhile, critics are quick to label what happened with Rampage as something that is to be expected from mixed martial artists in general.
about 1 month ago
Jon, my "some role model" comment earlier was made not in reference to anything you said, but because I'd like to see MMA gain wider recognition, not just among fighters and hardcore fans, but mainstream acceptance. As you know, there are many parents sending their children to self-defense classes. There is a need for positive role models for young people to look up to. It would be fine with me if all fighters acted with as much class as Chuck Liddell.
Regarding the YouTube video of Rampage that can be seen by copying and pasting this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADq3pmB7uFo
I don't understand how anyone could watch that video of Jackson making fun of that girl's teeth and then say "I'm having trouble seeing what is wrong with it."
You don't have to justify anything. And I don't have to agree with anyone who speaks out in defense of someone who acts like Rampage did in that video and during his recent car chase.
about 1 month ago
dude this is a great article and i love the shot at kimbo at the end hahahaha
23 days ago
yeah kimbo is one ugly beast that needs to learn his lesson from real mma fighters... try Brock and he will Beat him up so bad, hell shave his disgusting beard off..hehehe
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