It was inevitable. Mixed martial arts is evolving beyond its original design. MMA is itself a hybrid. The grand plan was to take the best from all martial arts and pit them against each other in a winner take all free for all. It was a brilliant idea that spread across the world beyond every ones expectations. What eventually happened is MMA developed its own identity. It was no longer specialists in different areas competing against each other. The modern MMA competitor must have a well rounded game. They must be good standing up, on the ground and in between. MMA fighters quickly figured out what worked and what didn't. They all developed fast hands, safe low kicks and devastating tap out maneuvers. The fighters all started looking the same. Mixed martial arts became a unique martial art in itself. Schools devoted specifically to MMA are popping up all over the world. This is a mixed blessing for the sport. The fighters are certainly better trained and more professional. The elite competitors are world class athletes. However, all out free for all slug fests are increasingly rare. MMA was founded on the promise of action. The fans still demand it. Professional MMA fighters, worried about their records, are now playing it safe. They are reluctant to throw spectacular yet risky techniques. Instead they walk around their opponent waiting for them to make a mistake. It is common to hear fans booing when cautious fighters dance around each other for three rounds or try to "kill the clock" when they are ahead. Hopefully this is small setback for the sport of MMA. Rule changes are needed to reinvigorate the sport. Penalties for stalling should be severe and fighters should be docked points if they ignore warnings. Perhaps fighters should be put down on the mat when there is a stand up stalemate. This makes sense since they are stood up when there is a stalemate on the mat. In summary, MMA needs to evolve to survive in the same way it evolved into life.
*** Kent Ninomiya ***
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