In the eyes of a common spectator, MMA fighting looks a lot like muay Thai, the martial arts practised in Thailand. But there are few sim...
In the eyes of a common spectator, MMA fighting looks a lot like muay Thai, the martial arts practised in Thailand. But there are few similarities between the two. Many sportsbook promos term a number of moves showcased in MMA to be from Muay Thai, but in-depth analysis shows they are quite different in their origination. These are minor technical differences that are not obvious to a common fan. This is why MMA attracts a serious number of audience that love watching Muay Thai.
It is commonly believed that MMA might actually be overtaking the most loved sport in Thailand, the Muay Thai. It is a sport that has attracted fighters from many different backgrounds. Even the traditional wrestlers have found attraction in MMA style of fighting.
This sport has attracted followers mainly because of the glamour associated with it. Muay Thai is considered a sacred sport in Thailand. For decades, the required commercialization of the sport was delayed because of this fact. But this seems to be changing now. The recent inclusion of Muay Thai in the betting has proved to be a positive step in this direction.
Another important aspect is the finances involved in the MMA. Since it is a highly commercialised sport involving a high degree of glamour, many business organisation use the MMA events to advertise their products. Millions of dollars are involved in MMA events, whereas no such finances are involved in Muay Thai.
Money is the lifeline of any sport. Athletes need to get adequate financial rewards for their participation in the game. Muay Thai fighters get very low returns for their participation in the game. The infrastructure required to facilitate a healthy supply line of fighters is nowhere near adequate. MMA fighters make much more than Muay Thai fighters which create an obvious attraction to the game.
The moves and manoeuvres involved in Muay Thai are widely copied in the MMA style fighting. Since the MMA style allows for a wide range of fighting style including Muay Thai, jiu-jitsu, classical wrestling etc, it makes it easier for MMA to grab fighters from a wide range of sports. Whereas in Muay Thai is a specialist sport, its techniques and manoeuvres are mostly special moves that require years of training to perfect.
Once Muay Thai is fully commercialised in Thailand, it will regain the ground it has lost to MMA. The inclusion of any sport in betting is a huge step forward. Once betting is declared legal on a particular sport, a side industry develops that makes millions of dollars out of betting. If a particular game attracts betters, the huge amount of money involved makes it easier for the bigger company to jump in, and sponsor the sport. The involvement of bigger commercial entities will create a better environment for the sport to flourish.
To say that MMA has captured ground from Muay Thai would not be an overstatement as the game involves money, fame and glamour. But all is not lost for Muay Thai. With proper commercialization and involving the bigger financial players in the mix, Muay Thai has the potential to regain its lost ground.
