I'm going to put an end to this Boxing v. MMA debate right now.

I've never really wanted to post this, because it ends embarrassingly for me, but as someone who has DONE boxing and DABBLED in MMA, I'm going to break it down.

I was a pretty good amatuer boxer, 26-1 record when I sustained a series of unfortunate injuries, most of which didn't occur in the ring.

When everything healed up, I had the opportunity to do some MMA style sparring with Andrei Arlovski her in Chicago. Would post the name of the gym, but I don't know if that info is out there and I don't really want to put dude's business "in the street" so to speak.

I'm about 6'3", 225 and Andrei probably had about and inch and 10-15 pounds on me I'm guessing. In other words, size difference was pretty negligible for MMA.

We had a timed sparring session in a ring, (not a cage). For the first minute and forty-five seconds I established myself as the superior striker, landing several punches, a couple of leg kicks, and even defending against a couple of take down attempts. At 1:45 of the session, Andrei went for the shoot, I stepped back and just as I thought I was about to tee off on his head, he switched direction got his shoulder under me, picked me up and slammed me onto the mat at what felt like about 70 mph. He then transitioned seamlessly into an armbar that felt like had he wanted to, he could have literally ripped my arm off and beaten me to death with it. I tapped, at which point he helped me up and told me where I had fkked up with using a boxing stance. Class guy. I also got the impression that if he had a cage to bull me into, the fight would likely have ended quicker.

Now, I still prefer boxing. It's my favorite sport. While I watch both, I'll always like boxing more than MMA. I also believe that on the whole, at least for now, boxing has the higher level athletes. That said, BY NO MEANS DOES EITHER BOXING OR MMA TAKE MORE SKILL THAN THE OTHER.

It's rediculous to think that a boxer without cross training would have success with the top guys in MMA or vice versa. Now there are exceptions, a once a generation athlete like a prime Tyson might just be able to catch everyone early, but that's the EXCEPTION. NOT THE RULE.

If you ask me which is more effective in a street fight, NEITHER. Training in either will probably help with keeping your composure, and teach you some basic techniques you MIGHT use. But if you've ever seen a street fight, it doesn't resemble anything that happens in a boxing ring, or an octagon. In a street fight situation, ESCAPE first with you and yours. If escape is not possible, pick up a weapon, preferably one that will allow you to create DISTANCE. And all of that is only necessary if you have failed to AVOID the situation in the first place.

Peace!