Exploring MMA at Brown University
When I graduated from Brown, I never imagined returning 19 years later to guest lecture, much less lecture about mixed martial arts (MMA). I had majored in sociology, concentrating on crime and deviance, mainly because I wanted to take a deeper look at the darker side of society. Initially, I began Unlocking the Cage, a sociological study of the MMA fighter, because I wanted to understand myself. Perhaps by interviewing 400 fighters from 110 gyms across the country, I would recognize their reasons for fighting and finally be able to answer the question of why I had fought.
Attempting to sum up 2.5 years of research in a 2.5 hour lecture isn’t easy, especially when squeezing in a 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu demonstration and a live interview with a fighter. I simplified things, gave the students a brief look at who I had been at their age, and a quick summary of the fighters: win-loss ratios, number of fights, over half of them had bachelor degrees or higher and worked in a wide range of professions. I’d trained with lawyers and law enforcement officers, preschool teachers, a porn star; I had even been punched by a pastor. The fighters came from all backgrounds: stable middle-class families with 2.3 kids, broken homes, victims of bullies. They played every sport or none at all, excelled at wrestling or was worst on the team, fancied football or hockey or traditional martial arts.
Johnny “Cupcakes” Campbell. Click for interview.
While everyone had a different story, most of the fighters could testify to the sacrifices they’d made in order to pursue a career with slim odds of finding financial stability. In the lecture, I shared some of the struggles fighters endure, then discussed what it’s like to step foot in the cage and some of the reasons these fighters do it. Some feel closer to God, others are addicted to the adrenaline rush, and several are retired fighters willing to risk anything for one more shot.
Fighters often claim they don’t know the real reason they are fighting, but there were five answers that kept emerging. The desire to compete is a big one, especially among former wrestlers. Another is the appeal of fame and fortune; this being something I witness more with the new breed. Social status attainment and identifying as a fighter, an outlet for aggression, and representing their school, were also common responses. All of these rang true for me to some degree, and I’d guess most fighters would list at least 3 of them.
My research is incomplete as I have not yet conducted the quantitative survey, and I’m still delving through the hundred plus hours of video, but due to the scope of my project I feel I have a decent understanding of who these men and women are. Whatever the reason they are drawn to the sport, the one thing that stays fairly consistent is that they’re exceptional people. Just as you would find in any other group, there were a handful of individuals I’d rather not associate with, but I’d be fortunate to call at least 90% a friend. Fighters are some of the most humble, loyal, generous, and caring people I’ve come across. That is a much different reality from how the general public perceives them.
They fight because it’s their path; it’s what completes them and makes them happy. It’s not an easy sport, but that’s not what they’re looking for. They’re searching for something and wanting to work for it, welcoming challenges and embracing the grind. I’m glad I’ve had the opportunity to be around so many positive people, and that I am able to share their stories. My hope is that society will begin to see both the sport and its athletes in a new light, respecting them not simply for the damage they might do inside the cage, but for all the good they do outside of it.
Special edition rash guard coming in December
