Women in MMA Just a Gimmick?

They don't come into the octagon with made up faces and false eyelashes. There are no tight corsets or fishnet stockings. Their hair does not fall in waves to their waists, and they don't have inch-long painted nails.

These young women are not the highly paid WWE Divas.

The young women of MMA are taut and toned, and in some cases tanned, but they are not fighting just to put their bodies and sex appeal on display. They have made sacrifices to be able to fight in the world of MMA.

Those who would question their devotion to the sport should try to keep up with them as they train at the gym. A normal person couldn't compare, because it is strenuous and time consuming.

Abs, deltoids, and quadriceps do not tone up over night. Anyone trying to achieve "the look" can attest to that.

Getting by with being able to jump rope and hit a heavy bag won't cut it in the ring. So much training is involved it is hard not to miss something, and more than one discipline is involved.

There are elements from boxing, karate, wrestling, muay thai, jui-jitsu, and other martial arts. The more knowledgeable the fighter is about martial arts, the better she can compete and counter any situation encountered in the ring.

Practice, practice, practice! Each skill must be practiced to perfection so that when the sparring stage does come, the skill will flow naturally. Hand to hand combat requires that skills come quickly. There is little time to think—there is time only to react.

Cardio—hours are spent running, riding stationary bikes, exercising for both strength and flexibility. Using plyometrics, lifting weights, and strength training are also important aspects of training for the sport. A fighter must develop core strength and increased kinesthetic sense.

Sacrifices are made to eat nutritiously and empty calories must be avoided. Care to remain well hydrated is equally important. Many take nutritional supplements.

Small discomforts from training must be overcome: blisters, bruises, pulled muscles, and sprains, plus the occasional broken nose or bone.

Tell me, what about this training is glamorous or considered to be a luxury, except possibly the time for a nice rejuvenating bubble bath after working out?

And the goal of all this training and sacrificing? To go into an arena and meet an opponent to find out if indeed she is the more skilled fighter, with injuries to each combatant being inevitable.

Is this a gimmick? You tell me.

Instead I would call it hard work and extreme dedication. It is something few men have attempted in their lives. And those men who do will be paid much better and receive more glory than their women counterparts.

Would you do this just to be considered the "face of MMA"—pretty or not?