Quote Originally Posted by VanChilds
   I normally refrain from commenting on MMA threads on the Boxing forum, but as a fan of both sports and objective there are some counter points that need to be made.  
   I agree that there is a smaller margin for error in MMA striking and that it is not as "scientific" as boxing, but on the other hand it is a much broader aspect than boxing.  Punches, kicks(leg, body, head), fighting from the clinch(muay thai knees and elbows and take down defense all come into play.  Obviously none of these particular skills take the years of training it takes to box at a world championshp level but it does make the MMA fighter more well rounded in stand up fighting.  I think we can all agree that the more diverse a fighters arsenal is the better.  
   Entertainment value is subjective, so not enjoying the ground fighting aspect of MMA is understandable.  But over simplifying by calling it two sweaty men playing grab a** is no different than me say that HW fighters just hug each other all fight with the occasional punch.  Until I had started training in ground fighting I didn't particularly appreciate the skill either, but to each his own.  That being said many MMA fighters are world class atheletes and were world class performers in their previous disciplines.  Top notch freestyle/greco roman wrestlers, sambo, judo, BJJ and kick boxers are examples of MMA fighter backgrounds.  The days of bar brawlers like Tank Abbot are all gone.  The days of one dimensional MMA fighters is dissapearing as well.  Matt Hughes is one of the most dominant champions that MMA has ever seen but his standup game is pretty weak.  He recently was soundly whipped by GSP who is a tremendous athelete and well rounded.  If you are going to compete at the top level in MMA today you better be able to fight equally in all areas.  The sport has evolved to a truly technical level.
   In regards to MMA popularity overtaking boxing only time will tell.  MMA cards have been winning the PPV buys department.  Now this is a little deceiving considering the number of MMA cards on versus boxing, but none the less it shows that the general public is buying the MMA product quite a bit.  I know in my work (US Army) that many of my soldiers are familiar w/ the UFC and its fighters (not so much Pride).  Most would be hard pressed to tell you who the HW champs are or just about any champ.  I think that MMA is winning in the 18-34 demographic.  With the Fertita(sp?) brothers purchasing Pride we will only see an increase in UFC's depth and overall fighter quality.  MMA fans will be able to see all of the "dream" fights out there.  I love both sports, but quite often I simply feel that I will get a better fight card for my money with a MMA PPV versus a boxing show.  
   The age old MMA fighter vs Boxer question is exhausting.  They are two very different sports.  Are there boxers that with extensive training could make the transition?  Sure, some could but I think that suggesting just 6 months of ground training would allow a boxer to compete at a world championship level is a little belittling of the MMA skill set.  On the flip side b/c of the years required to box at a top level there are very few MMA fighters that could transition to even a contender status.  What is largely forgotten is that MMA fighters work on boxing all the time.  The top fighters all have a strong basis in boxing.  Chuck Liddel is a LHW and fights at 205 not HW.  So how would he perform against Mormeck I really have no idea.  I doubt he would win, but I'd be willing to bet he would perform much better than many expect.  Much like a MMA fighter wouldn't attempt to stand and punch w/ a boxer in an MMA fight a boxer isn't going to just try to slug with a MMA fighter in a boxing ring.  In the end boxers are pratitioners of a one dimensional combat sport.  MMA fighters are fighters with the training to deal w/ multiple threats and use a wider arsenal.  
Thank You and a much deserved #72 Van... I have posted numerous explanations, techniques, examples on how MMA is Highly skilled, but in the end like I always say and you pointed out as well  ENTERTAINMENT VALUE IS SUBJECTIVE... Like trying to convince someone to like choclate when they prefer vanilla

I appreciated your post