1 of 3

Write now Article Tools

The first question any thinking person should ask when seeing this title is, what is being compared between the participants from either group? A comparison of the sports is just that, a completely subjective analysis of two things that are simply not the same. Whether person A thinks boxing is better than MMA, or vice versa for person B, neither is right nor wrong, as that is simply a matter of personal taste. One might as well argue about whether basketball is better than football, they're simply two different activites with different pros and cons as far as which is more entertaining depending on the preferences of the individual viewer.

Assuming we are getting past that and comparing the two athletes, this is more difficult to do than it might seem upon initial inspection, as every athlete is an individual, usually suited for their specific sport, and not necessarily qualitatively a better athlete than one from another sport. Speaking in generalities, there are some typical differences between MMA and boxing combatants, as different physical skills are more valuable in one than they are in the other. For starters, in boxing, height, and thus usually reach, can be of much greater advantage than they necessarily would be in MMA. The reason for this is that while there is likely to be more inside fighting, and obviously full-on grappling as well, in MMA; most boxing matches are fought largely at range as clinching is generally discouraged and broken up by the referee. When engaged in inside fighting, or grappling, height and length generally go from being advantages to weaknesses, as striking well at short distances is harder for the longer limbed fighter because of physical issues with leverage. Similar issues arise with being able to exert force in grappling. Additionally, there is simply more to grab on to or expose to various submissions with a longer limbed individual and because of the lessened ability to exert force because of a lack of leverage, getting out of these holds can prove more difficult. Similarly, with the added element of grappling, strength and sheer muscular endurance become more highly valued than flat out speed. In boxing on the other hand, quickness of hand and foot coupled with reaction time are perhaps the most valuable assets a competitor can have. As far as muscular endurance goes, while this is also an important attribute in boxing, cardiovascular endurance is generally more advantageous as the matches are much longer

• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Comparing MMA fighters to boxers?
We want to hear your view. Write now!