I find it funny the growing thought that A) UFC is not a sport, B) That it is compared to streetfights, and C) that there are no rules.

I was reading through a Throwdown and saw VIDAL, someone I generally like on the boards post something that really is offensive to me.

"It is criminals that fight for money."

Now I guess I have heard it all. I suppose my first question is why are the criminals?  Boxers fight for money.  Linebackers are paid to tackle someone to the turf or grass.

In fact after each week of the NFL or college football, ESPN has an entire program that is dedicated to the big hits.  The collision of body on body.

The majority of the guys in the UFC aren't just dudes that walked off the street and start throwing their fists.  These are men who are either accomplished wrestlers or guys who have studied different styles of martial arts for years.

Is it violent?  Yeah its violent. This isn't something that is a street fight though.  People generally don't perform armbars and leglocks during a bar fight.  Generally there aren't too many high kicks or leg sweeps.

Is it a sport?  Well this is the definition.  "Sport is an activity that is governed by a set of rules or customs and often engaged in competitively. Used by itself, sports commonly refer to activities where the physical capabilities of the competitor are the sole or primary determiner of the outcome (winning or losing)"

Ok so how is it not a sport?  Sure sometimes the outcome is dertermined by a decision but usually that decision is determined by the competitors.

It is sad to me that so many people are against something that they haven't really given a shot.  I know some people have and don't like it, but the majority of the people posting on here haven't ever watched the entire thing. It seems like those who don't like it won't give it any respect at all.  Look I don't like hockey or soccer, but if you like it I can see why.  Generally anyone who has taken martial arts or has wrestled loves the UFC because we can see the minor things that it takes to win. 

OH and lastly, this thing that there are no rules is garbage.  While there are some MMA organizations with more relaxed rules, the UFC is a sport where the refs protect the fighters as much as possible.  You can't just "do whatever you want."  Its not a street fight.  You can't headbutt a guy in the nose and you can't hit a guy in the back of the head.  You also can't kick a guy in the head in the UFC while he's on the ground.  Sometimes accidents happen but sometimes a guy gets a nut shot in boxing.

I suppose I'm just tired of the rep that these guys get, because I have done some high contact karate, Tae Kwon Do, and Aikido.  The sparring that I have done wears me out and it takes a tremendous amount of cardio training to not be totally burned out.

Hope maybe some of you will lighten up on it or at least give it a chance.