Since the ancient time, man has always competed with his fellow men in activities that have a real survival value, whether it be running, throwing weight or javelin, fighting. This makes sense from an evolutionary point of view, because the best with the most abilities were more likely to survive in the real world and also because they carried out a more performing genetic heritage to improve the species.
I cannot deny that combat is in our DNA and has contributed to evolve and survive as a species until today, we could also assume that humans have evolved with combat, confirming this thesis a publication of the University of UTAH on the evolution of the human hand, which theorizes that the development of the skeletal part and the shape of the fist and palm of the hand is linked to a need to use it to hit. Haven’t you ever noticed that when there is a fight everybody rushes to see why and usually of course they naturally form a circle? I consider it a primordial behavior and that still today , has evolved with a ring or a cage, referees and rules.
So Why do People like to Watch Fighting?
The answer to this question lies in the depths of human psychology and our innate desire for competition, excitement, and adrenaline. For centuries, humans have been drawn to fighting, whether it be in the form of physical combat, sports, or spectating events. The excitement of the fight and the thrill of watching other people engage in hand-to-hand combat has captivated audiences for generations. This article will delve into the reasons behind this phenomenon.
Watching combat sports like MMA is an extension of this habit, with all the emotion but without the personal danger. Of course, some of us find these emotions more attractive than others. Usually those who like risk and adrenaline like MMA, and studies that have been carried out in several American universities confirm this theory, but what also attracts the public has been revealed that it is not the Violence of Sport, but the Drama. In many sports the stakes are pride, a cup, etc., but in MMA Fighters put their body and physical safety at risk. From the Spectator’s point of view, the higher the stakes the more exciting the Drama will be.
The Study of Sport Psychology reveals a controversial truth that is difficult for many to accept, but which demonstrates the obvious difference between individual and team sports: football is undoubtedly the most popular sport on the planet, but why? In a team there are 11 players plus substitutes and a coach, so if you lose it is easy to blame someone else, the goalkeeper has made a mistake, the forward hasn’t scored and so on, and when everything goes wrong then it is the coach who suffers the consequences. Easy, isn’t it? In individual sport the blame is only yours and nobody else’s, a fighter takes responsibility and pays the consequences of his defeat.
This is an indication of the world in which we live by a mass psychology, that many people like to watch but not risk, that the world is divided into two main categories: those who are in the spotlight and those who watch, and those who are in the spotlight are those who like to risk and those who risk less, but respect goes to everyone.
Martial or combat sports (be it MMA, K1, Muay Thai, Judo, Karate, Boxing, Wrestling, Jiu Jitsu, Sambo or Vale Tudo) are the purest form of competition between two people. It’s not how fast your car is, or what model it is, you don’t have a ball to throw or put in a net, or teammates to help you if you can’t make it on your own, no one to blame in case of failure or defeat, or how good your equipment is that improves your performance. They are just two people testing their skills, using only their body and their wits against each other to see who is the best.
If you have to ask Me What I Like in an MMA Fight, as a Coach and former practitioner, I see discipline, strategy, athletic preparation, concentration, months of sacrifice, heart and athletic deeds, attack and counterattack, defense, I see a human being at his maximum physical, athletic and mental expression. I see evolution!
If you look at the end of every match, be it MMA, boxing, wrestling, etc., you notice that in most cases, the competitors hug, shake hands or bow to each other. This is no accident. With this last gesture, we say to our opponent: “Thank you. I respect your skills. For this Opportunity to Test Me. You have pushed me to my physical and mental limits to give my best. Your efforts have helped me to become a better version of myself.
What makes us enjoy the fighting and watching it?
When it comes to MMA, there’s no doubt that it’s a controversial sport. Some people love it, while others can’t stand to watch it. But what makes us enjoy fighting and watching it? Is it the violence, the technique, the drama, or something else entirely? These questions have long puzzled not just MMA fans, but also researchers.
According to a study from the Journal of Sports Media, Vol. 4, No. 1, Spring 2009, the top aspects of MMA that fans find most entertaining are the skill of the fighters, the range of talent and abilities, the fighting styles, and the techniques and moves. Some fans reported being less entertained by the violence, the blood, and seeing someone get hurt. However, the study also found that there are five characteristics of mixed martial arts that are most entertaining for viewers:
- Violence, 26%
- Skill/Styles, 12%
- Drama, 6%
- Old school techniques, 5%
- New skill. 4%
But why do we enjoy watching people fight in the first place? Some suggest that it’s because it’s a way for us to experience the thrill of battle without putting ourselves in danger. Others believe that we enjoy watching fights because it taps into our primal instincts. Whatever the reason, it’s clear that MMA is a sport that continues to captivate and intrigue us. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, there’s always something to appreciate about the skill and strategy that goes into each fight.
What do fighters enjoy most about beating each other?
The question of what fighters enjoy most about beating each other up is a complex one, and the answer is probably not what you think. While some may assume that fighters relish in the act of inflicting pain on others, the reality is quite different.
In “The Fighter’s Mind: Inside the Mental Game,” author Sam Sheridan interviews a variety of fighters to gain insight into what drives them to compete. While some fighters may enjoy the adrenaline rush that comes with combat, most cite a deeper sense of purpose and meaning behind their actions. Many fighters see fighting as a way to test their physical and mental limits, push themselves to be the best they can be. For these fighters, winning isn’t just about bragging rights or financial gain; it’s about proving something to themselves and to the world.
One notable example is George St. Pierre, a former UFC Welterweight Champion who is widely regarded as one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time. In “The Way of the Fight“, St. Pierre spoke about the bullying he experienced in his childhood, and how martial arts provided him with an outlet for his frustrations and helped him develop discipline and focus. For St. Pierre, fighting was not just a way to prove himself physically, but also to overcome the emotional and psychological challenges he faced throughout his life.
“There is a difference between a fighter and a martial artist. A fighter is training for a purpose: he has a fight. I’m a martial artist. I don’t train for a fight. I train for myself. I’m training all the time. My goal is perfection. But I will never reach perfection.”
George St. Pierre
Of course, it’s worth noting that not all fighters have the same motivations as St. Pierre, and violence is sometimes a factor. However, what fighters enjoy most about beating each other up is a complex and multifaceted question that can’t be reduced to a simple answer. One thing is certain, though – fighting is a deeply personal and meaningful experience for many fighters, and the motivations behind their actions are often more complex than what meets the eye.
Conclusion
To summarize, the allure of fighting is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon deeply rooted in human psychology. There are numerous reasons why people are drawn to fighting and watching combat sports, ranging from the thrill of the sport to the psychological benefits of experiencing a sense of control. The studies mentioned above, as well as the experiences of famous fighters such as George St. Pierre, show that fighting is more than just physical dominance or inflicting pain on others. Rather, it’s a way for fighters to prove something to themselves and the world, to push themselves to their limits, and overcome personal challenges.
We are drawn to the world of combat sports, whether as fighters or spectators, because of the sense of purpose and meaning it provides, as well as the thrill and excitement that each bout brings. Fighting is more than just a sport, in the end; it is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
FAQ
The allure of fighting lies in the depths of human psychology and our innate desire for competition, excitement, and adrenaline.
The enjoyment of fighting can be referred to as pugnacity or bellicosity, but these terms may imply a willingness to engage in violence outside of acceptable social norms.
The reasons for why boys like to fight are complex and may vary from individual to individual. Boys may be drawn to the competitive aspect of fighting, the rush of adrenaline, or the social status that may come from being a good fighter. However, it’s worth noting that not all boys enjoy fighting, and the reasons behind their motivations may be more complex than what meets the eye.
