Do you think the Cage is bad for mixed martial arts?

There are pluses and minuses to the cage. The big minus is the fact that it is harder to see inside for the fans.

However, the big downside to the ring is the fact that you get more stoppages and less action while inside a ring. Of all the fights I've seen in rings and in cages, the ring matches were, on average, a lot more boring than the cage fights. With a cage, a grappler can run his opponent into the cage wall, then use the fact that they can't go anywhere to take them to the ground, or a fighter can use the cage to stand up, meaning less time with inneffective grappling on the ground. Don't get me wrong, I like a good grappling match, but if the two fighters aren't even trying, then what's the point?

I have yet to see anyone get cut on the cage, and people have the same chance of dying in the ring as they do in the cage.

Even with that mesh, there still is very little support given by the ropes, a good grappler would not be able to get up using that kind of mesh for support without grabbing it. While this may reduce the number of stoppages, it won't eliminate them completely.

I agree it is bad for the image but it is definatly a better environment for the sport in my opinion. The UFC has addressed this issue by making it very clear that their fighters fight in "the octagon". You will never hear them refur to it as a cage. But this sport has come so far and while switching to a ring would probably get them farther quicker, I think they should stick to their guns and because it may take a little longer but it going to get there anyway.

I totally hate how new fans refur to the sport as Ultimate Fighting, and the UFC is doing this because they want the sport to be associated with only the UFC. Not only is Ultimate Fighting bad for the sport, but yeah it takes away from the skill and respect that is Martial Arts.

I think would be tight to see two guys fight in a plexiglass octagon, like hockey walls, but I would hate to get throw into that.

As far as getting cut on the cage, thats next to impossible, the cage is coated in a heavily rubberized clear coat, and is inspected before each event.

the cage is sprayed with a rubber like substance so they dont get scratched up and cut from it. the octagon is what the UFC and MMA is mostly known for and if that was taken away i think it would take away a lil from other things. people can be hurt badly fighting anywhere in this sport whether it be in the cage or in a ring it doesnt matter. someone is always going to have something negative to say about it. its still in its baby stages of the sport it has a long way to go, and cant imagine how bomb it will be when its in its prime.

It has to be an intense feeling to be locked in the octagon like that surround by metal fencing like a caged animal. Once you step in there you know you are in for a fight. The problem with the cage is that fighters can use it to their advantage, especially strong wrestlers can pin you up against that thing and I really do not think it is fair. If people can pin you up against it you should be able to grab the fence to hold yourself up. Plus I been to cage fights and you can not see all that well unless you are up close. I prefer a ring because it is more gentlemanly and aesthetically pleasing. The disadvantages are that people duck behind the ropes when they are getting pounded and the ref has to stop the fight in order to center them. But I like that because it gives the fighters a couple seconds break.

not gunna ever happen. the cage is built for mma especialy for jui jitsu artists and wrestlers. when they get someone on the ground its a way to pin them against the cage but also gives the oppnent a chance to regain his balance using the leverage. when a fight goes to the ground in pride its usually pretty boring to watch cuz it stays on the ground and the ropes give no support at all. also cage is good for muy thai fighters to pin opponents up agaist the cage in the clench and release brutal knees and create leverage to release elbows. Dana White knows what he's doing, and if you havent figured it out yet pride fighters are after contracts to earn a fight in the octagon. not to mention the merge that has already occured..

Interesting take but I think I like the octagon.

It seems so old school when I watch Pride. I think the cage seperates boxing from MMA in a sense.

i think the reason for the cage style set up is because those guys move around alot over large areas and could easily fall off the ring without an actual barrier to physically stop them

I love the cage. I hate ring matches, because I hate to see them have to "restart" in the center, much like college wrestling matches... giving a benefit to those with western-wrestling experience.

No.The cage is exciting and fun.I love the cage.

The reason I would hate a ring,is because it reminds me too much of fake wrestling.A ring,in my opinion,would attract more of a younger audience,ya know.

And i've never heard of anyone getting cut on the cage.

So,i'm gonna have to disagree.

no everyone loves the cage it just isn't ufc with out the cage and i have never heard of anyone who has got cut on the cage