Although there's still an element in our society that views mixed martial arts as savage brutality, the sport has achieved enough mainstream acceptance that it is now a burgeoning amateur sport for young people, as the above fight between two teenage girls demonstrates. I think it's great.
The fight features a 13-year-old girl stepping into the cage against a 17-year-old girl, and contrary to what some in the media would still have you believe, it wasn't some blood-soaked brawl. It was a demonstration of two martial artists engaged in a healthy competition. Note the sportsmanship they both show, shaking hands before and after the fight. Note the athleticism, the strength, the agility, and -- especially from the winner -- the skillful use of Brazilian jiu jitsu.
Also note that at the end of the fight, neither girl had so much as a scratch on her. MMA is safe -- far safer than activities like cheerleading and gymnastics, which every year leave some teenage girls paralyzed.
So yes, MMA is a great sport for teenage girls. Kudos to these two for showing the way.
Previously viewed at FightLinker.com.
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