We live in a era I like to classify as the “Pussification of America.” All throughout the United States we see signs of it. PC America is taking over, forcing us to teach our youth (that famous old adage), say it with me; “It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game.”
No longer do we keep score at toddler Tee Ball. Pop Warner football? Everyone plays, and by no means is it socially acceptable for a coach to run up the score. It's everywhere, and it's taking over, quickly.
Growing up I played organized sports (baseball, basketball and hockey) and clearly remember my coaches preaching “There's no I in team” and some wiseass would always respond “Yeah, but coach there is a ME.” The “ME” thats where the individual sport comes in. Finally lets celebrate the individual. We all do it anyway, and so do the players.
In an era dominated by free agency, rarely do we see loyalty from our (team sports) players. Maybe its just me but I ask you, what name are these guys playing for? The one on front or back of the jersey? So really what does a “team sport” fan do? Cheer for a jersey, or just the team colors?
Just when you start to develop a love for a player; you save up, go out and spend your hard earned money on his jersey. Coincidentally, it must be authentic, g-d forbid it's a replica. Finally game day comes around and you learn that very same player has been traded, is holding out for more cash or wants to test the waters in free agency during the off season.
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is the fastest growing sport in America and it's going global. No players unions needed, you like a fighter? Go out and spend $20 on his entrance T-shirt, not hundreds on a jersey.
Wanna ask a fighter a question? don't worry I assure you, he's accessible. These guys thrive on their fans, thats how they build support. Try to contact Kobe Bryant or Derek Jeter on facebook, think your getting a response? NOPE.
Watch any UFC pay-per view, after a fight you will see Joe Rogan conduct a quick interview, during which, said fighter will proudly announce where he's going that night for an after party. Now hit that bar or club mentioned and approach your fighter, buy him a drink or even take a picture with him, it's that easy. Think your seeing Drew Brees out after the game? Think he wants to talk to you? NOPE
The allure of MMA goes way beyond something as superficial as the fact that you can contact a fighter you like. Watching a fight is like slowing down to watch a car wreck; We all do it. Ask any MMA fan what got them hooked and I promise you, they can recite to you (like The Pledge of Allegiance) the exact moment they went from watching the fights to becoming a fan.
Combat sports have an extremely unique quality, unpredictability. Sit and watch a fight, the guy on top isn't always winning. The girl all busted up and bleeding? She not necessarily losing. Just when you think someone is defeated, they catch their opponent in a triangle choke or knock them out with their heavy handed superman punch.
So many armchair quarterbacks are quick to judge and relive their glory days of high school football (IE, Al Bundy). What makes MMA so uncomfortable and “train wreck” like comes down to this. Anyone who has ever played an organized sport can substitute/fantasize themselves in a players roll.
Put yourself in the cage, think your coming out?
Written by:
