MMA Smokers

[TaichiMantis]

Unsanctioned Mixed Martial Arts Events Creating a Stain on the Sport (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1972301-mma-unsanctioned-events-creating-a-permanent-stain-on-sport?utm_source=cnn.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=cnn-sports-bin&hpt=hp_bn15)


The endless grind for an MMA hopeful typically begins at the amateur ranks, which is where the hideous underbelly of the "world’s fastest growing sport" unfortunately can be seen. Amateur fighters seeking glory are often coaxed into participating in unsanctioned events by ordinary individuals feigning as legitimate promoters.

Sadly, all that is really needed to create an unsanctioned event is a ring/cage, several risk-takers and an audience.

Yours truly attended one of these MMA "smokers," a term coined for exhibition bouts and unsanctioned events in combat sports. This amateur event was held behind a local Hooters establishment in Huntsville, Ala.

Michigan seems to be the epicenter...

[MightyB]

Unsanctioned Mixed Martial Arts Events Creating a Stain on the Sport (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1972301-mma-unsanctioned-events-creating-a-permanent-stain-on-sport?utm_source=cnn.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=cnn-sports-bin&hpt=hp_bn15)



Michigan seems to be the epicenter...

Because it's so d@mn cold there's nothing better to do...

[wenshu]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1667678-the-underground-fight-club-in-new-york-city

[MightyB]

I present this as evidence as to why Michiganders are grumpy and quick to fight with little to no training.

8124

[Syn7]

There have always been underground fight events. It would be weird if MMA didn't throw in too. This isn't so much about MMA as it is about our culture in general. If there is an opportunity to exploit the young and naive, somebody will step up and make that happen. Young girls being mistreated in fashion. Young artists being exploited. How about undocumented workers being exploited? Or poor and marginalized communities being targeted? This is something that runs deep and across the spectrum in our culture. And the reason it thrives is because most people simply don't care. Too much bad stuff happens, so it's easier to just look ahead and shuffle along. This isn't about fighting, it's about exploitation and we seem to be really good at it.