Mixed Martial Arts: The Balance Between Sport and Combat Entertainment
By Drew Young
In sport, excellence is determined by the results of competition, and the primary emphasis is on winning. As a sport, the preeminent goal of a mixed martial artist should also be winning. Prize fighting, however, can have unusual and competing incentives. The pressure to increase marketability and earnings potential influences athletes and promoters to choose more “entertaining” styles and strategies. Likewise, in addition to the pressure to present marketable personas and fighting styles, the bonus structure of major promotions also serves to exert pressure on the athletes competing.