Over the years, MMA as a sport has evolved drastically to get to where we are today, and I’d like to take some time to reflect on this so we can appreciate just how far things have come and what we have to look forward to in the future.
In this article, I’ll take a look at several ways in which MMA has changed⎯both from a sporting perspective and also from a businesses and industry viewpoint.
One of the first things that springs to mind is how MMA has been integrated into the world of online gambling and how you can now place bets on MMA bouts at online casino Canada platforms and other sportsbooks. This, in itself, can help make matches more interesting as you can look at your bet slip while the fights unfold!
New Rules Have Been Introduced
Did you know that Senator John McCain famously compared MMA to cock fighting back in 1996 and tried vehemently to destroy the sport completely? His comments and actions effectively banned the sport but, more importantly, it shook the MMA and made the people involved realize that change was needed.
Therefore, between the years 1996 and 2000, a range of rules and additions were implemented to make the game more structured and safer, including
- MMA judges presiding over the games and assigning points
- Weight classes were introduced, much like boxing
- A 10-point scoring system, like in boxing, was implemented
- Matches were given structured rounds and time limits
These changes were welcomed and bought MMA more in-line with boxing, which was widely accepted as a sport and had excellent coverage and support. It wasn’t until the year 2000, however, when things really started to progress, and Dana White and Co. bought the UFC for just $2 million! From there, we have never looked back, and the sport has gone from strength to strength.
The Fighters Have a Higher Work Rate
MMA fighters have always been incredibly fit, tough, and agile, but the work rate and dedication to the sport has only increased over the years.
We can see fighters like Victor Dias in great shape, and an evolution of fitness levels, strength, and work rate is common among many sports.
From a technical perspective, the fights generally have far more strikes thrown per minute compared to years past, and this goes to show the vast improvement in cardiovascular fitness and the endurance of these incredibly athletes.
Fights Generally Last Longer
Building on the above point, the fact that we generally have fitter, tougher athletes has resulted in far longer fight durations. In years past, it was not uncommon for MMA bouts to be over in a few minutes, and while this can still happen, generally, fights last longer.
This is mainly due to the adoption of a more defensive-oriented style of fighting by many fighters, which has resulted in fewer first-round knockouts. Typically, the shorter fights are seen in the heavier classes and there is more chance of knockouts there.
MMA is More Marketable Than Ever
Years ago, the general public had probably never heard of MMA and couldn’t name a single professional fighter. Oh, how the times have changed!
This has to be the biggest chance for MMA, in terms of how marketable it is, how much money is involved, and the elevation of the fighters to superstar status. MMA has so much support today and has a huge following of dedicated fans.
This has led to more sponsorships, more prize money for the competitors, and a general elevation of the standard of the sport. The marketability is also incredible due to the personalities of the likes of Connor McGregor who, for better or for worse, have unlimited charisma and make for box office bouts and build-ups.
MMA is now right up there with other sports, and UFC bouts have become the stuff of legend. This simply wasn’t the case decades ago when the sport was developing and promotion opportunities were next to none.
From Humble Beginnings to Becoming a Globally Recognized Sport
MMA certainly started off small, and its future in the wider world of sport was never set in stone like other popular sports, such as football and basketball. However, the modernization of the sport and the introduction of proper structure and rules certainly helped and made it more acceptable in the mainstream. Today, we now have things better than ever, with organizations like UFC thriving and giving us some of the most entertaining fights and personalities in MMA history.