Thread: THE BLOODY TRUTH: Blood in Boxing and MMA

This is a long article but an interesting read. Not saying I agree with the viewpoint but maybe valid for some. I've had discussions with people who say they dislike MMA because of the blood & violence involved.

I became a fan of mixed martial arts, or, as it was known then, extreme fighting, back in 1996. I watched about six hours worth of the best of the Ultimate Fighting Championship on New Year's Eve 1996 into 1997.

The sight of the blood you saw in some of the matches didn't bother me, or affect me enough to keep me from staying a fan. No surprise, I guess, considering I'd been a boxing fan since I saw the first "Rocky" movie, in a theater, in late 1976 or early 1977. The sight of the gore onscreen when Rock implored Mick to use a blade to cut his right eyelid, to let out fluid and reduce swelling, enabling him to see, struck me, made my seven year old self squirm squeamishly..but didn't put me off the sweet science.

The sight of blood in MMA touched me, struck me, more than it had previously, however, when I was watching some UFC PPV pre-lim action on Saturday night. Not even sure what match it was on FX, but I had a hard time taking my eyes off the stains on the floor of the Octagon.

As the fighters were circling, assessing, looking for an open striking or takedown lane, I was focused on the crimson puddles on the floor, which was soaked in. I wasn't sure if it was from the previous fight, or the one before that, but that visual pinballed around in my brain.

It got me thinking, if this sight grabs me, someone who has been a boxing fan since the late 70s, and a fan of MMA for more than 15 years, I wonder how it strikes a newbie?

How often, I pondered, does a sports fan willing to give MMA a chance start to watch a match, and find themselves not attaching to the spectacle because they can't get past the blood?

THE BLOODY TRUTH: Blood in Boxing and MMA - TheSweetScience.com

The the tear off canvas is an ok idea. But if they are doing it to make the game more accessible to the few people who dont like blood, what about loosing the same few who are probably there for it? If it was invented for better purchase (non slip) and for more safety; as in disease spread etc, he would have more chance getting it excepted.
If its just the sight of blood, why not put a UV light up there and turn it purple?
Cut me in on the light idea .

Ive seen a very few exciting MMA fights but overall, it's rubbish.

I enjoy Felony Fights on Youtube more than MMA..