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 Will
MMA become an Olympic sport?
By Phil
Lanides
 In
what many consider to be one of the most exciting events in Winter
Olympic history, Canada defeated the U.S. in the hockey gold medal
game yesterday. The American team went down 2-0 before clawing back
to a one-goal deficit by the end of the second period. After some
furious action, Zach Parise scored the tying goal in the last minute
of regulation. In overtime, Sid Crosby took a great pass from Jarome
Iginla and got the winner past Ryan Miller, securing the goal for
Canada. A great game, and a good close to the Olympics as a whole.
All the attention on the Olympics has gotten many MMA fans thinking,
“Will our sport ever be an Olympic event?” With “sports” like
curling allowed to be a part of one of the biggest sporting events
in the world, why wouldn’t MMA, with its appeal, growth, and
international involvement be considered?
At this past weekend’s StrikeForce Challenger event, I sat next to
Joey Tumbarello, morning show host at Rock 96.7 in Modesto. We began
talking about the possibility of mixed martial arts being a part of
the Olympics. It was a short conversation. While no one can question
the heart or talent of the world class athletes that are MMA
fighters, the injuries that are a normal part of their routine would
preclude them from being able to compete. As Joey pointed out,
post-fight injury suspensions are commonplace. Hypothetically, as
fighters competed in Olympic action, they would surely sustain
injuries. Alternates, likely not be as talented, would have to take
their place…in short, luck would become too much of a factor. Would
MMA promoters like Dana White and Scott Coker allow their fighters
to compete in a situation like that? There are a lot of questions
that would need to be answered.
Basically, at this point, it’s just not practical.
What do you, the reader, think? Would MMA be a good option for the
Olympics? How would you get around the injury problem? Please post
your thoughts in the comment section
For more from Phil
Lanides check out
http://www.examiner.com/x-9970-San-Jose-MMA-Examiner
http://www.fightofyourlife.com/
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