Quote Originally Posted by Canvasback
Absolutely they can co-exist. I'm a long time (mid 1950's) fan and a serious fan. I also happen to like things like MMA, wrestling (real), judo, kickboxing, etc. I respect all disciplines and the people who have the courage to step into the ring. That being said I agree that comparing MMA to boxing is like comparing apples to oranges. If it's just a boxing match between a boxer and an MMA fighter, my money is going to be on the boxer. If you throw in takedowns, grappling and submissions I'd have to go with the MMA fighter. Just my humble opinion.
Exactly. There is simply no fair way to guage which sport is "superior". If you ask a boxer to step into the octagon, he is no longer a boxer as he must find a way to at least attempt to defend the clinch or takedown (theoretically, even if the whole fight is standing and the "boxer" wins by KO, he is still an MMAist as there was the possibility of a takedown). If you ask a MMAist to step into a ring with a boxer, he is no longer a MMAist, as he would only be utilizing his boxing. It is an amazingly simple thing to get. However I keep hearing the same blind nuthuggery from BOTH sides. There is no way to compare the two sports. No way. Lets just enjoy both.