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MMA Can Reach Wider Audience, Says Bisping

Mixed Martial Arts Betting and Odds
Sept 22, 2011

MMA can reach Wider Audience, Says Bisping


Despite what many people believe, mixed martial arts (MMA) is not just "two guys getting in a ring to beat each other up". The quote, taken from a Sportsmail interview with MMA champ Michael Bisping, is part of a wider discussion of the popularity of the contact sport in outside of North America.


Bisping was quick to note that the increased acclaim of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), for example, has occurred "little by little" in Britain, suggesting that more work needs to be done to change the public perception of MMA. The 32-year-old hopes to dispel the notion that MMA is mere brutality.


"If you watch it with an open mind, you will realize there is athleticism and skill involved," he explained.
The sport's low viewership in the UK is perhaps surprising given the uptake of other contact sports, such as boxing and professional wrestling and MMA doesn't attract as many online bets as these sports. However, Bisping claims that first-time viewers quickly become hooked.


"My girlfriend's mum [...] instantly fell in love with it. I think a lot of people will realize what a fantastic sport it is if they give it a fair crack of the whip," he said.


Perhaps the biggest hurdle facing new MMA fans in Britain is TV scheduling; events are routinely broadcast during the early hours of the morning, meaning that UFC is likely to attract only 'night owls' and hardcore fans. If you want to get involved with some live in-play betting  on the sport, you certainly have to be dedicated. Saturday's MMA Live event, which will be screened on ESPN, will reach British households at 04:30. Similarly, the much-publicised match between Jon Jones and Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson on Sunday will actually be broadcast at 02:00, on Monday morning.


Michael Bisping, who made his debut with the UFC in 2004, will fight Jason 'Mayhem' Miller on December 3 2011. Bisping previously told the MMA Fighting website that the match will give him the opportunity to "kill" Miller. "Miller's mouth is bigger than his brain", Bisping taunted, last Monday.