One Man’s Opinion: UFC Boring

Our old friend Ray McNulty finally watched some UFC. Here's his verdict: I still don't see the sport in pummeling somebody who's lying on…

By: Nate Wilcox | 16 years ago
One Man’s Opinion: UFC Boring
Bloody Elbow 2.0 | Anton Tabuena

Our old friend Ray McNulty finally watched some UFC. Here’s his verdict:

I still don’t see the sport in pummeling somebody who’s lying on his back, trying not to get hit. I don’t get the appeal of watching two guys grappling on the ground, which is where they spend most of the bouts. I don’t understand how anyone can think this is better than boxing, which requires just as much toughness and far more athleticism, skill and grace.


There’s not enough compelling action, not enough flashes of brilliance, nothing that makes me jump up and say, “Wow, did you see that?” Instead, it’s more like some PG-rated version of professional wrestling, another entertainment genre that shamelessly sells brutality and violence to pseudo-tough guys.

Truth is, though, I’ve seen better fights on “The Contender.” And at hockey games. Sorry, but the UFC isn’t much of a sport. It’s a glorified street fight, not any kind of martial art. Mixed or otherwise.

Maybe I’m too old-school, because I can’t seem to get into any of those trendy extreme sports, either. But, hey, just because it’s not for me doesn’t mean it’s not for somebody else. If that’s how some folks get their kicks — if enough people are willing to pay to watch and it’s properly regulated by state authorities — I say let them fight.

I’m sure many of us have watched our dads undergo a similar evolution.

Share this story

About the author
Nate Wilcox
Nate Wilcox

Nate Wilcox is the founding editor of BloodyElbow.com. As such he has hired every editor and writer to work for the site. Wilcox’s writing for BE is known for its emphasis on MMA history, the evolution of fighting techniques and strong opinions. Wilcox developed the SBN MMA consensus rankings which were featured in USA Today from 2009 to 2011. Before founding BE, Wilcox was a political operative working for such figures as Senators John Kerry and Mark Warner and an early political blogger. He is the co-author of Netroots Rising, a history of the political blogosphere from 2003 to 2007. Wilcox also hosts the Let It Roll podcast on music history for the Pantheon Podcast Network.

More from the author

Bloody Elbow Podcast
Related Stories