However, when it comes to Mixed Martial Arts there is a large attraction for me. Even though it is a bloody aggressive sport, and people get hurt. There seems to be enough drama with the creation of the Ultimate Fighter and the dedication it takes to step in the octagon.
I also know it is not for everyone! I read somewhere that the attraction is waining a little bit even with the explosion of the UFC. I don’t see the sport leaving prime time any time soon, but I don’t see it lasting any longer than the poker craze did. But who knows it might just replace WWE?
However recently the sport suffered a blow when a tragic death occurred. Michael Kirkham is the second fighter to die from injuries sustained in mixed martial arts competition in North America.
I want to start by sending my sympathy to the family and have zero desire to make light of what happened. There is nothing that can replace someones life and it is a tragedy when it is cut short by a sport.
What I do want to explore is if this death is going to effect MMA in anyway. I wonder what the backlash will be for those who hate the sport or even for those who love the sport. Will this mans death effect it in either way.
I understand that this sport carries an enormous risk! But I also understand that these guys train like crazy and know what they are doing. They have strong camps that teach these guys how to fight and avoid injury as much as you can in a fighting sport.
The sport has improved in its safety and officiating, just compare matches from five years ago to those you see today, you will immediately notice all the changes.
However, that does not help this situation. The sport is fought in a cage and filled with cheers from every hit that lands on someones face and we love to watch the knock outs.
So I wonder, with perhaps the first death in MMA fighting in North America, will the sport suffer and take a hit, or will it continue on without any recourse? What do you think?
