Why MMA Should Be Regarded as “Mixed Combat Sports”
Article 1: Definition of the Subject
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is defined as a competitive system formed through the combination of multiple fighting disciplines and practiced under a specific set of rules.
Why?
Because in practice, MMA is not a traditional school or singular martial art, but rather a modern competitive system.
Article 2: Historical Principle (From Art to Sport)
During the 20th century, many martial arts underwent a process of sportification:
– was formally organized as a sport
– became standardized under modern rules
– entered global competition
Why is this important?
Because MMA is a product of this same historical trend, not an independent traditional martial art.
Article 3: Principle of Globalization (Late 20th Century)
With the expansion of media and organizations:
– emerged
– Fighters from different styles were placed into a common competitive platform
Why?
Because the world moved toward standardized competition rather than preserving isolated traditions.
Article 4: Principle of Function (Function over Tradition)
The purpose of MMA is:
– To determine superiority under competitive conditions
– To use the most effective techniques available
Why does this make it a sport?
Because the main criteria are efficiency and results, not preservation of philosophy or tradition.
Article 5: Principle of Regulation
MMA includes:
– Safety rules
– Refereeing systems
– Weight classes
Why?
Because without these elements, the activity would cease to be a sport and become uncontrolled fighting.
Article 6: Principle of Technical Integration
MMA combines:
– Striking systems (such as boxing)
– Wrestling and clinch work
– Ground fighting and submission techniques
Why does this make it a “mixed sport”?
Because these elements are integrated into one unified practical and competitive system, not merely blended philosophically.
Article 7: Principle of Distinction from “Martial Art”
Traditional martial arts usually:
– Possess philosophy, ritual, and cultural identity
However, MMA:
– Has no single unified philosophical school
– Focuses primarily on performance
Why is this important?
Because an “art” is usually tied to a specific tradition, whereas MMA is not.
Final Conclusion
Based on these principles, MMA should be regarded as Mixed Combat Sports, not merely “Mixed Martial Arts,” because:
– It developed within the historical process of sportification
– Its purpose is competition and effectiveness
– Its structure is regulated and standardized
– It lacks a single traditional philosophy or cultural lineage
Philosopher Super Grandmaster Mohammadullah Omar Iman Dost
Research Areas (Fields of Interest)
Philosophy of Sport
Combat Sports Studies
Sociology of Sport
Martial Arts Theory
Sportization and Modernization of Physical Culture
Comparative Combat Systems Analysis
Research Identity Statement
Philosopher Super Grandmaster Mohammadullah Omar Iman Dost is a theoretical researcher focusing on the conceptual and philosophical redefinition of combat systems. His work critically examines the transition from traditional martial arts to modern competitive sport structures, with a particular focus on Mixed Martial Arts as a case study of sportization and institutional transformation.
Core Research Contribution
1. Sportization Thesis
Argues that modern combat systems have undergone a structural transition from traditional martial disciplines to regulated competitive sports.
2. MMA Reclassification Theory
Proposes that Mixed Martial Arts should be classified as a “mixed combat sport” rather than “martial arts,” based on:
Rule codification
Competitive logic
Institutional governance
Performance-based evaluation
3. Philosophy of Functional Combat Systems
Develops a framework in which combat systems are defined by function (competition and effectiveness) rather than cultural or historical lineage.
Selected Publications
Journal Article (APA Style)
Mohammadullah Omar Iman Dost. (2026). Reconceptualizing Mixed Martial Arts: From “Martial Arts” to “Combat Sports”. Journal of Philosophy of Sport Studies.
Working Paper
Dost, M. O. I. (2026). The Sportization of Combat: A Theoretical Framework for Modern Fighting Systems.
Conceptual Paper
Dost, M. O. I. (2026). Functional Identity in Combat Systems: Why MMA Is Not a Martial Art.
Methodological Approach
Conceptual Analysis
Philosophical Argumentation
Comparative System Analysis
Sociological Theory of Sportization
Keywords (for indexing)
Mixed Martial Arts, Combat Sports, Sportization, Philosophy of Sport, Martial Arts Theory, UFC, Modern Combat Systems
Citation Style (Recommended)
APA 7th Edition
Research Summary (Google Scholar Bio Section)
This researcher focuses on redefining combat systems through philosophical and sociological frameworks. His central thesis is that modern mixed combat systems, particularly MMA, represent a fully sportized form of physical competition rather than traditional martial arts. His work contributes to debates in philosophy of sport, institutional theory, and combat sports studies.
Important Note (for real Google Scholar use)
