The following was written by Nick Lembo of the New Jersey State Athletic Commission for TheGarv.com and speaks to the value that amateur MMA programs create in a particular state, province, or country:
The amateur program allows competitors to test their skills in the cage for the first time and experience the emotions and adrenaline that comes along.
It allows returning competitors to test themselves further against tougher opponents and allows trainers to work on game plans that feature strengths. It allows competitors to be exposed to opponents with different strengths, skill sets and body types.
The amateur rules limit ground and pound and force the competitors to work on their jiu-jitsu, balance, positioning and defense. Sure, ground and pound is an integral part of mixed martial arts, but you must be technically proficient in jiu-jitsu to go anywhere in this sport.
It is an opportunity for fighters to hone their skills and try new manuevers without the attachment of a loss on their professional record which will affect their marketability and pay rate.
Payout Opinion:
I’ll just add that amateur MMA is also an excellent way to ease into the sport from a regulatory perspective.
In areas where MMA has been held back, amateur competitions could serve as a dry run whereby the government and its commissions have the opportunity to monitor the safety, the integrity, and the outright legitimacy of the sport. It also allows a commission to identify and correct potential problems in their oversight responsibilities – before they happen at the pro level.
Kudos to Lembo for stepping up and penning a great read!
Leave a Reply