Give MMA a chance

Re: Jim Carlisle's Nov. 10 column, "MMA ready to hit Fox prime time":

We have the opportunity to watch history unfold before us. We are watching the Babe Ruths and Knute Rocknes of MMA on TV now! The sport is very different than it was 15 years ago!

The mixing of the many different disciplines of the martial arts produces a sport that is completely unique in the sporting world. The sport has a level of complexity you have not witnessed. It is truly a chess match where the athletes use angles, leverage, strength, speed and most importantly desire to subdue their opponent.

I use sports as a way of showing my sons that when you train and commit with passion, success will follow. The story of Dana White taking MMA out of the parking lot and creating a major new sport is a great example. The athletes themselves are the epitome of desire, heart and commitment. They play to win not to get rich. Their desire is what every pro athlete starts their careers with, then lose as they become multi-millionaire crybabies.

Go to a UFC event with a knowledgeable guide, then make your assessment. A fuller understanding of what you are watching will bring the sport into clearer focus. It is happening to millions of fans worldwide.

- Steve Binnette,