Ever since its inception, MMA has had its ups and downs, but it has ultimately continued to evolve and grow. MMA is a competitive sport with an exciting and unpredictable presentation; even so, is it a sport?
Is Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) a Sport?
Critics may argue that MMA is more of an entertainment show than a sport. In this regard, the WWE is probably the best example of what people compare and contrast. One could argue that the WWE fits the above description, but the "competes" part is murky. The distinction between MMA and pro wrestling is that MMA is neither scripted nor fabricated. WWE wrestlers are certainly skilled and athletic, and they do face serious danger in their line of work, but it is not a competitive sport when the outcome is already known.
MMA VS Pro wrestling
The simple truth that MMA is defined as just a sport is helped by the fact that the laws and regulations ensure a fair competition, which is overseen by a referee and three judges. Strict drug testing and other precautionary measures are also implemented for each athlete. The fact that MMA is a major activity all over the world certainly helps to legitimize it. American football is huge in the United States, but not so much elsewhere. MMA may be more popular in other countries than in the United States. Brazil and Canada both are MMA Meccas, and companies like the UFC are constantly expanding their reach.