The biggest challenge with MMA right now is that all too often it is the blood, the guts, and the gore that get the intense publicity, as "Blood Sells" in the media. This is no different than showing non stop highlight film of knockout hits in the NFL, or Bobsled Crashes that have resulted in death, or the classic "Agony of Defeat" highlight that was shown for decades of the Ski Jumper that wiped out prior to getting off the end of the Jumping Ramp. None of these accurately depicts the value of the sport it represents, or the higher percentage of Athletes that compete and survive a very lengthy career, such as Brett Favre.
With the appropriate governace of most sports, each has been able to properly control the number of "Agony of Defeat" moments within their sport, yet recognizing that the very nature of competition, and to a degree, life itself, are lent to the possibility of danger, and that means injury. I would strongly submit to you that MMA is no more "dangerous" than Boxing, which has caused any number of physical challenges to its competitors over the years, as long as it has a governing body to instill appropriate safety guidelines for each level.
What should be noted in closing, as well, is that the Martial Arts in general have done a fantastic job of providing a great resource for the development of Self Esteem, and perhaps even a stronger sense of the ability to protect oneself in the event that they are bullied or attacked.
The biggest challenge with MMA right now is that all too often it is the blood, the guts, and the gore that get the intense publicity, as "Blood Sells" in the media. This is no different than showing non stop highlight film of knockout hits in the NFL, or Bobsled Crashes that have resulted in death, or the classic "Agony of Defeat" highlight that was shown for decades of the Ski Jumper that wiped out prior to getting off the end of the Jumping Ramp. None of these accurately depicts the value of the sport it represents, or the higher percentage of Athletes that compete and survive a very lengthy career, such as Brett Favre.
With the appropriate governace of most sports, each has been able to properly control the number of "Agony of Defeat" moments within their sport, yet recognizing that the very nature of competition, and to a degree, life itself, are lent to the possibility of danger, and that means injury. I would strongly submit to you that MMA is no more "dangerous" than Boxing, which has caused any number of physical challenges to its competitors over the years, as long as it has a governing body to instill appropriate safety guidelines for each level.
What should be noted in closing, as well, is that the Martial Arts in general have done a fantastic job of providing a great resource for the development of Self Esteem, and perhaps even a stronger sense of the ability to protect oneself in the event that they are bullied or attacked.