[kdotsky]

[ QUOTE ]

Let me repeat what I posted before, the idea that UFC fighters are the best fighters, and in top physical shape, but just for some reason all just couldn't get the hang of boxing...is very silly indeed.

[/ QUOTE ]

Please try to understand this: the skill sets for the two different sports is very different. Regardless of what you see on TV, the fundamentals of MMA is grappling.

Ok, so say I'm not talking about a world class boxer right now. A good striker with no ground skills that tries to get into MMA will get creamed. A good grappler with no striking skills that goes into the MMA has a chance. This, on its own, is pretty much factual. It is why you see vastly more former olympic or college wrestlers in the sport than washed up boxers. Ground game is fundamental.

Your argument is relying on the fact their their skills are one and the same: fighting. Boxing has virtually zero overlap with the most important part of real fighting: grappling.

Just as a marathon runner is built differently than a sprinter, a UFC fighter is much different than a boxer. They are built more like traditional wrestlers. It's not just coincidence that most of them have low centers of gravity. This is also why they don't "become boxers if they are so good". You're right, they can't. It's because they're different types of athletes. They're optimized for a sport that is closer to real fighting.

[ QUOTE ]

The best boxers get paid more because they are better fighters. 100 times more. It's not really debatable is it?


[/ QUOTE ]

They are not better fighters, they are better boxers (by far). Understand, again, that ground game has been shown again and again to be paramount.

[ QUOTE ]
If UFC guys could be world class boxers instead they'd be absolutely insane not to be. They can't, because, surprise surprise, they aren't as tough, strong coordinated, whatever.

[/ QUOTE ]

I don't think anyone disagrees with this statement. We all get your point, and you're right. What you're failing to see is that UFC is not some point on the "fighting spectrum" below boxing. It's vastly different. Fighting on the ground is not just rolling around. In addition, as someone else pointed out, a world class wrestler can take down a state champ wrestler no problem -- and the state champ trains exclusively in defending this type of deal. An untrained boxer would not stand a chance at avoiding takedown.

[ QUOTE ]

/shrug. Again, not sure what is hard to understand. Money is a simple standard we can all agree on, isn't it? I mean it's not like a talented white fighter would have any trouble getting chances, now is it?

[/ QUOTE ]

You're just repeating the same point over and over again. Again, nobody disagrees that money draws the best talent. But it's drawing talent to boxing, not necessarily fighting. Why not actually read what people are saying and at least try to understand it.

And you're right that there is the "fad" and marketing aspect to UFC, and most people are commenting based on what they see on Spike TV. However, there are a few people in this thread that do have a deep understanding of the full breadth of what is being discussed (yes, long before SpikeTV even started).

Be a little more open minded. You might actually learn something.