Boxing vs. UFC

Many UFC fans would argue that a boxer could never win against a master of MMA. While a boxer may be skilled with his hands, a UFC fighter can use his entire body as a weapon. If one style of fighting doesn't seem effective, he'll simply switch to another. Once a UFC fighter takes a boxer to the ground, it's all over. A boxer doesn't know what to do when he's on his back. Boxing is a dying sport they say. UFC is overtaking boxing.

Conversely, a boxing fan may feel that a UFC fighter wouldn't last 2 minutes in the ring with a professional boxer. In boxing, defense is every bit as important as offense which a UFC fighter is not accustomed to. This gives the boxer the edge. Also, once you remove a UFC fighter's ability to use his legs or tackle his opponent, the fight is basically over. If a UFC fighter is forced to rely solely on his fists, a boxer wins every time without question. Regarding the question of which is the better sport, popularity is not the sole decisive factor. Boxing has been around far longer than UFC in the US. Boxing has its share of problems right now but they are self-inflicted. The sport of boxing is beginning to rebound and gradually making a comeback.

Personally, I prefer boxing over UFC. UFC feels very "high school" to me. Many of the spectators and participants seem to be the Wal-mart crowd. Most UFC matches quickly end up with two guys rolling around on the floor, hitting each other in the face with their elbows and knees. Didn't we already see this as kids after school in the parking lot? Sorry but I outgrew that scene years ago (and honestly the rest of you should have too). While I don't mind a little blood, UFC is far too gory and just plain brutal.

The sweet science of boxing offers poetry in motion, skill, grace, speed, and precision. Defense is equal in importance to offense. While boxing is obviously a violent sport, it is controlled violence that doesn't become anywhere near as out of control as UFC.

Simply put, I am entertained by boxing and frankly a little disgusted by UFC.

That having been said, I do not believe boxing is necessarily a "better" sport than UFC or vice versa. Nor do I believe UFC is overtaking boxing. Boxing certainly has its challenges ahead, many of which are uphill. Corrupt promoters and self-serving boxing superstars (*cough, Floyd Mayweather, cough*) are not doing the sport any favors.

Regardless, pitting these two sports against one another is an unfair comparison. This is an "apples and oranges" argument as boxing and UFC are simply different sports. I do, however, believe UFC is not for me just as boxing may not be for others and I accept that. This isn't a matter of right or wrong, good or bad--it's a matter of preference.