If Hatton vs Pacquiao doesn't do Big PPV numbers does it mean MMA is bigger?

[Hunter]

MMA has a way to go before it can come close to matching boxing.....

One of the biggest problems with MMA is the minute you fall in love with a fighter he gets his asked kicked...there is not much room for errror so it is VERY HARD to build up super stars... and super stars are what draws the fans......

I follow boxing and MMA closely but still prefer boxing.....

[Heavy D]

I'll preface by saying that I'm from the MMA board, before anyone even asks:

I can't believe all the unfounded MMA hatred on here. It's 2009 guys, not 1993. This isn't the same "no holds barred bloodfest" it used to be. These guys are world class athletes, and like the sport or not, at least give them that respect.

MMAs biggest problem is that it is still a foundling sport in the sanctioned sports arena. It's still working out it's kinks, from unifying rules to clearing itself of it's image from it's earlier days. But what it comes down to (in my opinion) is that both sports are two men, set against each other in combat, with only one man to emerge the victor. MMA gives the combatants more options than boxers and gives rise to so many different scenarios. I started a boxing fan, and it holds a great place in my heart, but to me the struggle is that much better when the fighters are given more options to get their victory.

That whole rant aside, MMA is a long ways away from overtaking boxing. A few bad shows or some shady publicity will kill a MMA organization (EliteXC and Pride, as respective examples), but boxing has always overcome such problems. However, as the UFC steadily gains more and more fans, more and more boxers will be compelled to try their hand at MMA instead of straight boxing (which is why, for the record, MMA is so full of grapplers: where else can they ply that trade and make cash?), and I expect that is when boxing fans should start to "worry."

Edit: I dunno...I'm having trouble following my own post, so if you can't, I apologize :P