MMA ethics - defenses, criticisms, and prescriptions...?

Question

Many people have expressed concern over the sport of Mixed Martial Arts. Do you think the sport is ethical? If not, what is wrong with it and what changes would the sport have to make to be ethical?

Answer 1

Every sanctioned MMA bout has clearly defined rules and officials maintaining control, so the bouts are entered into with full understanding by the participants. The most outrageously dangerous tactics have been outlawed, and the chances of life threatening injury are much smaller than in boxing. For all of these reasons, I see nothing unethical or improper about MMA. As far as taste goes, I don't care to see the smallest fighters - those under 165#, perhaps - but that's more an aesthetic than moral preference. Those variants of MMA which allow knees to the head of a prone competitor may need to outlaw that before they can enjoy substantial respect, and any MMA bout which isn't firmly controlled by the referee will pose a threat to the respectability of the sport. It has to remain much more than a tough man competition, and it would be good for the sport if an effort were made to bring in mainland Chinese and Philippino techniques, rather than simply muay thai, jiujitsu and western style wrestling and boxing.

Answer 2

The mixed martial arts first appeared in the United States under Bruce Tegner with his JUKADO.

The most famous MMA is Jeet Kune Do invented by Bruce Lee.

In 1968 Aaron Banks held his mixed martial arts matches in Madison Square Garden which proved that any martial art is only as good as its practitioner.

Today in the 21st century there is a sport called MMA where testosterone fueled men fight in their speedos in macho human pitbull matches which prove nothing.

Already MMA bouts have forbidden certain techniques, which would be found in any street fight, making MMA of dubious self-defense value. MMA does not teach weapons defense, or weapons usage, or defense against multiple attackers. MMA has become a 'work'. It is all theater.

Answer 3

I don't think that the world of mma will achieve the status of what boxing was. It is a dangerous sport as boxing, but boxing is more controlled in the sense of style. It's more of a straight up fist fight. MMA requires the use of the whole body, and it doesn't seem that it will shake off the lable "controlled street-fight." (Although to be fair, UFC is trying to change that.)

I watch mma and boxing. To be current, I've never seen Jack Nicholson at an event. (That is the type of crowd boxing draws, to make a point.)

Answer 4

There is nothing unethical about any sport played/performed by fully aware and consenting adults! Even if it is violent!
It may be brutal but not immoral. And as long as no one is being lied to on the results... That is all.
If it is not hurting the innocent it is a form of reflection of a part of reality! Those watching it, and paying for tickets are the culprits of anyone else's discomfort with the idea. Yet, if someone doesn't like something that is not hurting the innocent just don't watch it. No one is forcing anyone to watch it!
I don't particularly like it, but so what?

Answer 5

I've heard concerns expressed about its safety, but nothing about MMA being unethical. It's a competituve and violent sport, fundamentally no different than Thai kickboxing or Sumo wrestling.