About the MMA Zu

MMA Zu wishes to explore the world of MMA through multiple lenses. Contributors will draw analogies and references from other fields of study to enlarge interpretations about this rapidly expanding sport. Its aesthetics, economics, history, politics, philosophy and sociology, among other things, will be discussed with a side of irreverence. Oh yeah, and the usual predictions with regards to main events. A true zoo of a forum for ideas, humour, and plain old prognosticating.

Although the image of two people fighting hand to hand combat in a delimited space has almost become synonymous with the Ultimate Fighting Championship organization, the roots of the sport date back to 7th century ancient Greece where pankration was practiced. The image has informed several fields of study, entailing multiple schools of thought and countless academic and artistic representations through the ages. An example consists of the famous Hegelian master/slave dialectic, a myth that involves two men who, desiring recognition (certainty) about their existence, undertake a struggle to the death before one ends submitting the other and enslaves him, establishing the concept of authority. There are legions of publications that have been written and are still being produced about this primordial clash, so suffice to say for the purpose of this forum that both the victor and the vanquished are required to live through the fight since the death of the opponent wouldn’t allow him to recognize his defeat. And the victor gains certainty of his supremacy due to the benefits conferred by owning the enslaved party. Karl Marx made this myth the foundation of his work, explaining the rise of capitalism and the exploitation that results. Alexandre Kojève has written about the essential character of this clash and how it establishes the foundations for the legal system. Etc.  Contributors at MMAZU are cognizant of the fact that these examples can be eloquently criticized and beautifully cut to pieces by feminist critiques, among others. We invite these, but want to be clear: we love dissent, but we love the fighting stuff more!

MMA Zu will always strive to be original and creative with its content. There are currently three fora (Octogan Talk, Square Talk and Circle Speak) that allow for different interests to be discussed in a more in-depth manner. As to what the Square or Circle come to invite, we still have no clue yet. But you can’t go wrong with shapes.

Enjoy the ZU.