Why aren't there as many black people in the UFC as there are in boxing?

Question

I'm into few sports, but it doesn't take a genius for most people to realize that most sports are dominated by black males. Boxing and general fighting sports seem extremely interesting to me. After watching the UFC, I started to realize that almost every fight was between a white, latin, or something else (but not black). I have seen some, but it's rare.

http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=fighter.allfighters

Looking through this index it seems even more prevalent.

Please...without being racists or insulting explain why this is.

Just to note, I don't believe poverty has anything to do with this. People must understand that black people used to be incredibly poor ie in the 50's something like 60% where in poverty; but now a days it's near 20%. So there has been an incredible shift, and that really can't be used as a reason, as more the latin community is actually starting to grow in poverty due to immigration (somewhere slightly above black citizens)...but there's plenty of latin people in the UFC.

On a personal level, I use to me in martial arts for a long-time, and never once did I see a black male....and I saw/met a lot of people.

I would never get in a boxing ring with any professional, but if I could wrestle a boxer, I think I would have damn good chance (considering we weight the same). Personally, I believe it has something to do with the lack of black males with an all around fighting capability/experience or just the general interest in such. I remember a long time ago slap fighting with black friend of mine (whom was 6'3") and he's beating me--badly, but when it came to wrestling he was easy to beat....so I'm thinking it come down to something like that.

Answer 1

It hasn't caught on with the majority of 'blacks'; like golf or tennis despite the famous black athletes and their excellence in those sports. I would say this is the reason why you don't see as many in U.F.C or N.H.B

Two, some would say 'whites' tend to be better wrestlers, than 'blacks' as 'blacks' tend to be better strikers. 'Whites' have slow-twitch muscle fibers that are intended for endurance which wrestling can take alot out of you. Where as 'blacks' have fast-twitch muscle fibers that allow for faster strikes.

So, when wrestling, I guess 'blacks' wear out a little earlier than 'whites.' As the majority of U.F.C fighters pretty much focus on grappling and striking as mostly used as set ups for grappling.

Answer 2

From what I have seen historically the blacks tend to explode on the scene once a few black athlete dominate in the sport. Look at golf (tiger woods) in basketball Jordan revolutionized, once again, how the gain was played, watched, and appreciated. MMA is a growing sport so I think with time we will see more black fighters. At this time more traditional sports seem to attract young black males. Poverty probably does have something to do with it, however there are schools specifically for MMA opening up all over the country. So if you can train to box then you can train in for MMA (besides boxing is an important aspect of MMA). Jiu-jitsu, as amazing as it is, is not the cure-all for MMA (this is a sport, not the street).

On another note for anyone to say that black athletes don't appreciate or earn their boxing careers is dead wrong. It takes just as much dedication to box then to fight MMA. Furthermore, genetically black people tend to build muscle better than most, true. However, this does not make them the better fighter. Look at Royce Gracie, he brought down people twice his size back in the day when pure strength was considered the necessity for fighting.

Finally, it's the octagon baby...anything can happen!

Answer 3

black people are not anymore athletic than white people? and not having the means growing up to take martial arts is a load of crap too, there is TONS of programs in inner cities to teach that like boxing is taught in the boys clubs and at the YMCA!!! I think black boys do not want the discipline that goes with the martial arts, because they are taught to take and not EARN what is needed for LIFE. and the ones who are in the UFC have learned this and have taken the so called hard road and not the EASY way to the top, they have learned that road is filled with no greed and the can sleep at nite knowing they can work and be honest human being.

Answer 4

Black people are more athletic than white people. The type of people in the UFC are martial artists who also can throw/take a punch. One of the most common fighting styles is Brazilian Jiu Jitsiu (SP?). Many blacks do not have the means growing up to learn various martial art styles. They teach these submission and combat techniques in the army. Also, there are five black males in the NHL.

Answer 5

"there is TONS of programs in inner cities to teach that like boxing is taught in the boys clubs and at the YMCA!!!"

"I think black boys do not want the discipline that goes with the martial arts, because they are taught to take and not EARN what is needed for LIFE."

What a racist. Blacks don't all live in the inner city and are NOT "taught to take..."

Answer 6

Alot of African Americans can't afford Martial Arts training.

Answer 7

Because black people see UFC like professional wrestling and are more traditional in fighting.

Answer 8

It could be that alot of African Americans don't like that specific sport.

Answer 9

right maybe its because black people tend to be poorer then white,latin and ect. so they cant afford martal arts lessons and plus ufcs mixed martal arts so u gotta have money to learn more then one. i do mixed martal arts thai boxing tai chi and wu shu kwan

Answer 10

it doesn't have a ball