MMA and The Sweet Science: A Comparison in Punching
Published by Kal Thompson on June 7th, 2009 in Memorabilia

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While boxing purists still argue that the average professional mixed martial arts fighter is eons behind his pugilist counterpart in regard to the level of talent and technique with the fists, the gap is continually closing at a steady pace. While the subtleties in striking (with the fists) within the two sports are still easily observed by the trained eye, one must keep in mind that MMA is not boxing.

With all the points of offense (and defense) that are involved in mixed martial arts, keeping with the “boxing grain” stylistically could mean cage suicide.

While a boxer must worry about only one aspect of combat (delivering and protecting himself from punches), an MMA fighter must defend the take-down. He must also be fully aware of the possible kicks, knees and forearms that may be delivered by his opponent.

The aforementioned is fairly obvious, even to the most casual fan. However, one major point that gets less of a mention is the form of hand gear (wrapping and gloves) that is used in both sports. To be honest, it would be like comparing watermelons to grapes.

Aside from the obvious difference, that being the bulky exterior of the average Everlast boxing glove, one must also take into account the differences in weight between an MMA glove and a boxing glove. Given the locale and sanctioning body of the contest, approximately 6-8 ounces of weight separate the two styles of hand protection.

With the MMA glove being much lighter due to the fact that the fingers must be exposed in order to grapple and attempt submissions, the differing style in striking is a must. One wrong angle, and a broken finger or thumb is easily suffered by the MMA fighter who is attempting to throw the punch.

While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, over the decades our opinion on punching has been shaped for us. We have been told by our fathers and grandfathers that the technical hooks, crosses and jabs of the squared-circle pugilist are those which are pretty.

While it’s true that the boxer’s form of punching is pleasing to the eye, one must not forget that although mixed martial arts and boxing both reside beneath the label of combat sport, they are in fact, two entirely different combat sports.

The next time you see an MMA fighter being accused of looping his punches in a manner that might be called sloppy, don’t fall for the propaganda. He may merely be protecting his unprotected digits, or maneuvering the punch into a take down….which is also a thing of beauty.