Is MMA safer than boxing? (2023)

Is MMA safer than boxing?

Studies have been done where experts compared the risks of injury in MMA to those in boxing, and they've taken the time to lay out the risks of each sport. According to a study in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, statistically, MMA is safer than boxing.

Although its rare, MMA fights have been won with little to no striking at all. In most cases, both fighters are ready to fight again, without any injury. Strikes are the most damaging and injury-inducing way to win a fight. For this reason, MMA is much safer by virtue of option alone.

In a fight without rules, MMA is far better because MMA fighters are familiar with more styles (standing or ground styles), while boxers can only utilize their hands. To get a better understanding of boxing and MMA in general – keep reading.

Boxers in the research showed a 49.8% injury rate in their fights. Of the 550 boxers studied 7.1% of them were knocked out or lost consciousness. This compared to 4.2% of MMA fighters that were knocked out or lost consciousness.

The safety features outlined in this article are confined to amateur boxing. When we look at fatalities per thousand per year, boxing falls at 0.12%, that is, preceded by nine other sports- College football ranks 0.13%, motorcycling 0.7%, skydiving 12.3%, and horse racing 12.8% .

MMA or mixed martial arts is among some of the most beneficial things you can practice to defend yourself and gain confidence. Along with being a great sport for self-defence, it aids with physical health, fitness, confidence and mental health.

How Dangerous is It? MMA is about as dangerous as any other full contact sport. Like in sports such as hockey and football MMA athletes are prone to a wide variety of injuries ranging from mild sprains to brain injuries such as concussions. Just like in other sports, not every athlete will sustain a major injury.

Strength and conditioning workout:

The training is to make you excel and be the best fighter you can be. This is possible with a high level of strength and conditioning. But that is not just it, MMA also improves your flexibility, balance, endurance, strength, and body coordination.

According to the segment, the volume of domestic violence arrests that included MMA fighters was more than double that of the average national rate in the U.S. Using public records as their main resource, Real Sports determined that the national rate of domestic violence arrests is around 360 per 100,000 men.

So while MMA gloves do more visible damage in the form of cuts and bruises, the damage to the bran dealt by boxing gloves can be much greater.

Can a boxer do well in MMA?

Boxing is fantastic for MMA, but you have to consider and appreciate the vast differences between the two sports. If you can adapt your boxing style to a style that is more accommodating to mixed martial arts, you could experience success in training and competition.

Some of the greatest fighters in UFC history have dealt with intense prefight nerves, including Georges St-Pierre and Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone, who said he throws up before fights. "Every fighter thinks of those things," Till says.

If a street fighter was to fight another street fighter it would be a battle of the strongest and toughest that would more than likely win, but a street fighter probably wouldn't last against a boxer, who has had professional training on attacking and defending.

Brain injury charity Headway says parents are risking their child suffering traumatic brain injuries when they introduce them to combat sports at a young age. Headway is calling for a total ban, for all ages, on boxing and MMA - or any sport where the objective is to strike the head of your opponent.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that doctors "vigorously oppose" youth boxing because of the risk of head injuries like concussions.

It's important to stress that any contact sport brings certain risks and none of them is completely safe. Nonetheless, boxing is as safe as a seasoned coach makes it. If taught and practiced responsibly and in a safe manner, boxing can actually greatly benefit children and teenagers.

As it turns out, martial arts training may offer an equally excellent workout to your brain. Martial arts training not only requires visual, auditory, and motor cortex engagement, but often also requires a high level of balance, and sensitivity to both touch and pressure.

Nasal fractures, eye injuries, and broken jaws can all occur in the octagon. Reports suggest that more than 10% of all injuries in MMA relate to the nose. These injuries are more common in the lower ranks than in the higher ones.

Martial Arts Makes You Mindful

Common techniques in martial arts like deep breathing, meditation, and the practice of principles like honor, respect, and integrity help to forge character. This process clears your mind and improves your mental wellness.

Which sport is most risky?

Professional cycling is probably now one of the cleanest sports in the world."

Martial arts is one of the most efficient health and fitness programs available. Because you'll be hooked on martial arts training, you subject yourself to regular exercise which is obviously great for heart health. Just 30 minutes of daily exercise improves heart health immensely.

Most critics declare MMA as a much safer option than boxing but still, it is ranked as one of the high-risk sports. There are multiple fairly common injuries that most mixed martial arts students go through. This can range from the basic and very common to severe injuries that can cause permanent damage.

Mixed Martial Arts is an excellent workout, helping to improve flexibility, balance, and coordination. It can also be a great way to meet new people and make friends. Improvements in mental toughness & resilience are big benefits of MMA. Whatever your age, there are plenty of good reasons to give MMA & Alta a try.