“I just don’t understand why people fight.” This is a statement that I hear quite often from my wife as I am enjoying a good MMA battle. As a martial artist and former competitor, I know the answer but have found it difficult to verbalize. Fighters have a fighting spirit and feelings are tough to put into words but I will try.

Why do MMA fighters fight?

There are three main reasons that people fight (including verbal disputes). Disrespect for me or my beliefs, threatening me or by challenging me to a fight. The underlying reason is that I have something that you want. Now mix these ingredients with the ability to make a living off of fighting and the opportunity to showcase your skills to the world and you have some excited fighters.

Martial artists are just like every other professional. They want to be recognized for their efforts and ability. We might strive for the employee of the month, the Pulitzer Prize, an Oscar, etc. The bottom line is that we want to be really good at what we do. Have you ever started a workout plan or even a new hobby? When you began you simply enjoyed the experience. As time went on, you learned of interesting things that others were doing and gave it a try. You may have even set out to make a bigger, better or faster version of their creation.

There is no bigger rush than having someone with similar or greater skill trying to punch or kick you. You see that opportunity to get him and strike, but he sees it coming and tries to counter. It is like a very strategic game of chess with no forgiveness.

Some fighters hate each other, like Matt Hughes and Matt Serra, and want to fight for that reason. That hatred is rare though. Most fighters just want to challenge and become the champion. Watch after a fight and most fighters actually pay respects to each other. In fact, they show better sportsmanship than other sport I have seen.

So, do you want to fight?

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