Rationale behind Watching MMA and Boxing?

Though all humans over the world talk about peace and harmony, there is a part of us that just loves watching gory sports such as MMA or Boxing.  In the past decade or so, the popularity of Boxing has declined considerably but that is because another sport such as MMA has taken its place. MMA stands for mixed martial arts. MMA includes fighters trained in multiple combat styles such as Jujitsu, Muay Thai , Kick Boxing etc.  The fights of MMA draws people in millions. But why do humans enjoy two men/women inflicting pain on each other, drawing blood streams by bashing fists on their face, breaking each others' bones? Why?

The answer to this isn't as simple as it seems. I pondered over this question for some time and came to conclusion that there is no particular single reason for this but a multitude of reasons. Let us explore a few of them.

Though all sports celebrate competitiveness yet raw competition akin to survival is only the underlying theme of combat sports. Chances of any of the fighter dying inside the ring are always there, however slim they may seem.

Another thing is that most humans however peaceful they look, may have repressed anger, frustration issues which cannot find easy outlet due to certain societal expectations and fear of law. This may include workplace pressure or personal problems. When people see one fighter beating the other, they feel as if they are the ones beating their stress, problems etc.

Moreover, when humans see blood or gore, they are going to either find it repulsive or they may get an adrenaline rush due to their vicarious experience of the fight. The mere fact that two people are giving their all, no holds barred with chances of one getting seriously injured excites us humans.

And this deifying of fighters, brawlers or archers has always been culturally presents all over the world.

A savage with no societal contribution like Alexander is called Alexander the great whereas a peace loving and compassionate buddha has no such title given to him. That's ironical, isn't it! But that's how it is.

Personally speaking, I have always enjoyed watching extreme sports like boxing and recently MMA not only for gore , but because they actually require tremendous skill, patience, concentration, limb coordination. Most people only see two people fighting, but the actual fight begins with the preparation itself, the physical and mental conditioning. Moreover, when an underdog upsets a champion that can be exhilarating. 

Its fine to enjoy being spectators of their sports till they don't have any impact on your behaviour.

Enjoy them guilt free!!

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