There has been a lot of fuss from many writers over a recent BBC News article covering the upcoming Cage Wars event in Glasgow. While far more balanced the whole thing is very reminiscent of how many US media outlets reacted when MMA was finding its feet there.
Part of the problem in the UK is that the local promotions, much like the old owners of UFC, advertise it as ‘Cage Fighting’ rather than ‘Mixed Martial Arts’. This definitely has a negative connotation and as a result of using this term the reporters latch on to it and their interviewees react accordingly be they Police or Church reps.
When I tell people I watch Mixed Martial Arts its a completely different reaction than if I told them I watch Cage Fighting. Aside from the fact MMA doesn’t necessarily take place in a cage the term also brings with it suggestions of skill rather than a no holds barred brawl. Using the term MMA people mention Karate, Judo, Ju Jitsu, Kick Boxing and more in conversation. If I called it Cage Fighting I’m sure those people would be more concerned about biting and low blows.
So UK promoters do yourselves and the sport a favour and call it what it is - MIXED MARTIAL ARTS. These are highly skilled athletes who train for years to be the best at what they do. Calling them Cage Fighters involved in the sport of Cage Fighting ruins the image completely and opens the sport up to rampant outrage from the masses. UFC 75 can’t come soon enough for this country.
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Was going to write something about this myself, but been far too busy lately. Totally agree with you - cage fighting sounds so negative, hell, even I was put off by that term a few years ago! MMA is what it is, and how it should be marketed!
Hi,
Good point. Youre completly right. Although i think its just taking a bit of time for MMA to become popular in the UK. In USA its the number one fighting sport but i still think boxing dominates in the UK. In my opinion though its just a matter of time until MMA takes over in UK then it may get the respect it deserves
Marks
Whilst the term “cage fighting” is not a true reflection of the skill, training and commitment needed to succeed in the sport, it is the phrase that puts bums on seats.
It doesn’t matter how good a product or service is, if it is not marketed properly, it will never appeal to the masses.
Muay Thai is 3000 years old and is much more entertaining to watch than boxing. So why do World Champion boxers earn 7 figures for a contest and MT World Champions struggle to make 6 figures for the same? …Because MT does not have a Don King.
If using a term such as “cage fighting” will eventually bring the TV revenue that will allow UK fighters to earn a living and train full time then give the people what they want.
All Valley Fight Wear
Who do you think would win if the world kickboxing champion had a fight against the world cagefighting champion?
please reply…
It would firstly depend on which world champion - there are plenty of bottom of the barrel promotions that have ‘world championship’ belts.
Assuming we are talking the higher end, it would depend if the weight classes were even. Assuming this, then I would expect the Mixed Martial Artist to win, but even then, there are a lot of variables…