MMA and Boxing: 3 Exciting Things One Sport Has That the Other Doesn't

Boxing and MMA are both combat sports.  That is about the only thing they have in common, other than their athletes both use fists to hit each other.  Right now MMA is taking over, and it looks like boxing is going to let this happen.  However, I look back on boxing fondly and remember the things it has that MMA never will quite live up to.

This is not to say that I prefer one over the other or that MMA isn't as polished as boxing.  The truth is that MMA also has a few things going for it that boxing can't emulate even if it tried.

Let's take a look.

In MMA No One Fight Dominates the Card

For the most part, there is never a main event in an MMA event that stands without a great supporting card.  This isn't just true for the UFC but for almost all of MMA.  It doesn't matter what level of event it is, there are usually several fights being broadcasted instead of just one fight with a supporting cast that feels slapped together at the last minute.

This means that last minute pull-outs don't leave events feeling empty or less exciting because there is a fight that is just as interesting below it.

In contrast...

Boxing Gives Off That Big Fight Feeling

Regardless of whether the fight is going to be decent or not, it will have more buzz than any one fight in MMA.  It is solely based on the fact that boxing only focuses on one fight at a time.  Ninety-nine percent of the time this backfires and causes them to have a worse night then MMA when inevitable pull-outs from injuries and overblown egos occur.

Every once in a while, though, it means we see something amazing and get to experience a truly important event not just in combat sports, but on a global scale.

A Fight in MMA Can End Anywhere, Anytime

You only need to look back at the fight between Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen to see what can happen when you mix styles of fighting together.  For those that know what happened, it was a climatic moment that showed the versatility of MMA. For those who don't, I encourage you to look it up.

It's moments like that that make MMA fans go crazy.  The fact that someone can tumble and his opponent can be right over him, getting ready to finish him off, gives us a thrill that almost feels like we're watching a gladiatorial match.  That is what keeps us coming back for more.

Boxers Coming Back from the Brink of Defeat

There is also nothing quite like seeing a boxer get a standing eight-count and then surging forward and beating his opponent.  Even if you don't care for boxing, watch the clip and tell me you don't find that thrilling.  It's almost impossible.

There is something hardwired in a fight fan's blood that makes them enjoy a knockout but also makes them enjoy a comeback.  Seeing someone come back on wobbly legs and battle with every inch of themselves is part of what makes a great fight.  MMA can't do this because it has ground fighting.  It is something that is inherently boxing.

MMA Fans Enjoy Every Fighter No Matter Where They're From

People from Arizona cheer a Brazilian like Wanderlei Silva.  British fans cheer people like Chris Leben.  The UFC can put a fight on anywhere and no matter what the nationality of the fighters, they will be cheered and booed because of their styles more than because of where they were born.

The universality of MMA is incredible and truly blows through any other sport on the face of the planet.  However, it does mean one other thing...

Boxing Fans Who Cheer for National Pride

No matter how exciting an MMA response to a fight is, it will never replace the passion of two fans cheering for their country's pride.

On a personal note, I once went to a boxing fight that had an Armenian boxer fighting a Colombian boxer.  The Colombian fans were on one side waving their flag and shouted "maricon" when the Armenian was announced.  The Armenian fans, who also had their flag, showed their middle fingers when the Colombian was introduced.

The moment was almost surreal, and other than at a soccer event, it would probably never take place.

Your Thoughts

What do you think?  Am I off?  Do you think boxing and MMA both have some of the same things?  What are your favorite things that only occur in one sport?

Let me know what you think.