Boxing and MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) are two popular combat sports that involve intense physical contact. However, statistics show that there are more deaths in boxing compared to MMA. This article aims to explore the various reasons behind this disparity by examining different aspects of the two sports.
1. Rules and Regulations
One significant factor contributing to the higher death rate in boxing is the difference in rules and regulations. In boxing, the primary objective is to strike the opponent’s head and body, focusing mainly on punches. On the other hand, MMA allows a broader range of techniques, including strikes, grappling, and submissions. The limited range of attacks in boxing increases the likelihood of repeated head trauma, leading to more severe injuries and potential fatalities.
2. Head Trauma
Head trauma is a major concern in combat sports, and boxing involves a higher risk of sustaining severe head injuries. Boxers are exposed to repeated blows to the head, resulting in greater chances of concussions, brain hemorrhages, and long-term brain damage. In MMA, while head trauma is still a concern, the variety of techniques and the option for submission holds can help reduce the frequency and intensity of head strikes, potentially lowering the risk of fatal injuries.
3. Gloves and Hand Wraps
The gloves used in boxing are designed to protect the hands of the fighters, but they also increase the force of impact on the opponent’s head. The padding in boxing gloves allows boxers to throw harder punches without injuring their hands, but it also increases the risk of causing more significant damage to the opponent’s brain. In MMA, the gloves are smaller and offer less padding, which can result in a reduced force of impact and potentially lower the risk of fatal injuries.
4. Referee Intervention
The role of the referee in combat sports is crucial in ensuring the safety of the fighters. In boxing, the referee’s primary focus is on counting knockdowns and ensuring fair play, while in MMA, the referee has a more active role in stopping the fight when a fighter is in a vulnerable position or unable to defend themselves. The more proactive intervention of MMA referees may help prevent unnecessary injuries and potential fatalities.
5. Fight Duration
The duration of fights in boxing and MMA also plays a significant role in the disparity of deaths. Boxing matches can last up to 12 rounds, with each round lasting three minutes. The cumulative effect of prolonged exposure to punches increases the risk of severe injuries. In MMA, fights are usually shorter, with three or five rounds lasting five minutes each. The shorter fight duration in MMA may limit the accumulation of damage and potentially reduce the risk of fatal outcomes.
6. Weight Cutting
Weight cutting is a practice common in combat sports where fighters attempt to shed weight rapidly before a match to compete in a lower weight class. This practice can lead to severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, making fighters more susceptible to injuries and potentially fatal conditions like kidney failure. While weight cutting is prevalent in both boxing and MMA, the impact on health and the risk of death may be higher in boxing due to the longer fight duration and limited techniques.
7. Fighter Safety Culture
The culture surrounding fighter safety differs between boxing and MMA. In recent years, MMA organizations have implemented stricter medical protocols, including pre-fight medical screenings, mandatory suspensions after knockouts, and enhanced post-fight medical evaluations. These measures prioritize the well-being of the fighters and help identify potential health risks. In contrast, boxing has been criticized for not implementing similar safety measures, potentially contributing to the higher death rate.
8. Training Methods
The training methods employed in boxing and MMA can also influence the likelihood of fatal injuries. Boxing training often focuses extensively on developing punching power, which can lead to stronger blows to the head. MMA training, on the other hand, emphasizes a more well-rounded approach, including grappling and submissions. The broader skill set acquired in MMA training may provide fighters with alternative strategies to avoid excessive head trauma, reducing the risk of fatalities.
Conclusion
While both boxing and MMA are physically demanding sports, the higher number of deaths in boxing can be attributed to several factors. The rules and regulations, the prevalence of head trauma, the design of gloves and hand wraps, the role of the referee, fight duration, weight cutting practices, fighter safety culture, and training methods all contribute to the disparity. Recognizing these factors is essential for implementing measures to improve safety and reduce the risk of fatalities in combat sports.
Original article, Author：Dsalita，If reprinted, please indicate the source.：https://dsalita.com/mma/why-are-there-more-deaths-in-boxing-than-mma/
