The age-old debate between mixed martial arts (MMA) and boxing often boils down to personal preference, a subjective assessment of spectacle and skill. However, when a prominent figure intimately familiar with both disciplines, like former UFC champion and seasoned commentator Daniel Cormier, offers his candid perspective, the discussion gains a new, authoritative weight. His recent observations, post a blockbuster boxing event, have once again placed the fundamental differences in combat sports entertainment under the spotlight.
Cormier`s Verdict: MMA Offers More “Fun”
After witnessing what many considered a boxing superfight—the highly anticipated clash between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford—Cormier found himself reflecting on the experience. One might assume a contest featuring two titans of the “sweet science” in a high-stakes Netflix main event would definitively settle any lingering questions about peak combat sports entertainment. Yet, for Cormier, the answer was surprisingly clear, and it wasn`t found solely between the boxing ropes.
“After watching ‘Bud’ fight Canelo, which was a good fight, I realize more and more that MMA is just a much funner sport,” Cormier declared on his YouTube channel. He contrasted this with his experience watching Noche UFC, an event that, while perhaps lacking the sheer name recognition of a Canelo-Crawford bout, still delivered a distinct brand of excitement. For Cormier, the more “fun” moments of that September night unfolded inside the cage, not the ring.
This isn`t to diminish the technical brilliance or the historical significance of boxing`s marquee matchups. Indeed, Alvarez vs. Crawford was a masterclass in many respects. However, Cormier`s viewpoint highlights a subtle but crucial distinction: the relentless, multi-faceted action inherent in MMA often translates into a higher “fun factor” for viewers. Boxing, with its strategic ebb and flow, can sometimes demand a more patient, appreciative audience, whereas MMA`s dynamic range—from striking to grappling, takedowns to submissions—tends to offer a constant barrage of potential finishes and dramatic shifts.
Questioning Dana White`s Boxing Vision: A Clash of Philosophies
Adding another intriguing layer to this discussion is Dana White`s ambitious plan to launch “Zuffa Boxing” in 2026. The UFC CEO, known for his disruptive approach to fight promotion, has grand ambitions for “saving” boxing, a sport he often criticizes for its fragmented structure and perceived unwillingness to consistently put the “best against the best.”
White envisions a boxing promotion that mirrors the UFC`s successful model, including a boxing version of the “Contender Series”—a platform designed to pit promising, undefeated fighters against each other early in their careers to rapidly identify and build stars. “The best will fight the best, undefeated guys will fight undefeated guys, so I will build stars and I will put on great fights,” White stated.
Cormier, however, has expressed skepticism about whether this aggressive, fast-paced model can truly be transplanted into boxing. “Does that work in boxing? … That, to me, sounds like he wants to change more,” Cormier pondered on ESPN’s Good Guy/Bad Guy show. He pointed out boxing`s traditional career path, where top prospects are often meticulously groomed and built up against a series of lesser opponents before facing elite competition. It`s not uncommon for boxers to reach 18, 19, or even 20-0 before stepping into truly high-level contests.
“Boxing is just different,” Cormier concluded, succinctly capturing the fundamental divergence in how the two sports typically develop talent and construct fight careers. White`s vision, while admirable in its intent to streamline and inject urgency, clashes with decades of established boxing orthodoxy, where a carefully managed record is often seen as a valuable asset, not a barrier to immediate competition.
The Evolving Landscape of Combat Sports
Cormier`s unfiltered assessment underscores a fascinating tension in the world of combat sports. While boxing holds a revered place in history and continues to produce moments of unparalleled drama and skill, MMA`s modern, dynamic nature resonates powerfully with a contemporary audience seeking constant action and unpredictable outcomes. The debate isn`t merely about which sport is “better,” but rather which offers a more consistently engaging, accessible, and, as Cormier put it, “fun” experience.
As Dana White prepares to venture into boxing, attempting to impose an MMA-style blueprint on an ancient sport, voices like Daniel Cormier serve as crucial reminders. They highlight that the unique cultures, career trajectories, and entertainment values of each discipline might be more deeply ingrained than even the most ambitious promoters anticipate. The future of combat sports will undoubtedly be shaped by this ongoing dialogue—between tradition and innovation, established paths and disruptive visions—as both boxing and MMA continue to evolve in their pursuit of ultimate fan engagement.
