'Kids MMA' Controversy, What Side Are You On?
Nov 3rd 2011
Should There Be An Age Limit To Compete In MMA?
As the sport of MMA has rushed into the mainstream, it has garnered a tremendous following amongst young children - many who have left the soccer or baseball fields behind for floor mats and training gloves to become part of a fast growing sport. But in doing so, have stirred a debate as to weather kids should be allowed to participate in MMA.
Do you think kids should be allowed to compete in mixed martial arts?
Opponents to kids fighting in MMA state that the sport is too violent, and can cause serious injury to the kids, who some argue don't yet understand that violence is bad. In 2008 Senator John McCain likened the adult version of MMA to "human cockfighting" and wrote a letter to state governors to ban the sport - and some states have.
Those that support it say that kids are well protected in head gear, gloves, and shin guards and are more well protected than some other sports. Also, many parents believe that the exercise, discipline and learning self-defense are good things for children to learn. Even Dana White himself has encouraged kids entry into the sport - which has earned him the scorn of some.
It seems as though it may be hard to find a middle ground between the two sides, and as the sport of MMA grows it will encounter growing pains like this among others things. For the sport to endure, it will have to change and adapt to its increasing popularity and all the scrutiny that comes with that.
Is it too risky for kids to compete in MMA?