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Mixed martial arts are gaining a huge following in America, especially following the advent of Dana White’s UFC and the related reality show, Ultimate Fighter. Some industry professionals believe that MMA has already surpassed boxing in terms of popularity and there is no indication that trend will ever be reversed. The varied styles represented in MMA are often employed by the fighters in a mix-and-match method, and each fighter has his own specialties.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a style that works well for fighters who are most comfortable grappling. It focuses primarily on holds that force submissions from the fighter’s opponent in order to prevent torn ligaments, broken bones or loss of consciousness. Other fighters prefer to use more Americanized styles such as boxing and wrestling. On the other side of the fence are those athletes who practice an Eastern combat art such as Muay Thai, or kick-boxing. Personal style is also a big component of MMA. Its competitors often employ specific techniques such as trying to force the opponent into a defensive mode, or attempting to limit the opponent’s techniques by employing take-downs and grappling holds.
As MMA grows in popularity, more and more styles are making their way to the forefront of the sport. The very concept of mixed martial arts fighting allows for a great deal of creativity, both for fighters and trainers. By broadcasting most of their more important matches on pay-per-view television, the sport gains exclusivity and generates a great deal of revenue. Offering lesser matches and replays of previous fights on cable television channels help to spread the fan base.
