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Knockouts vs Submissions

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When it comes to MMA, everyone loves a finish, whether it comes by KO/TKO or submission. But if given the option, how would you prefer to see a fight end?

Obviously, a one-punch knockout or a head kick finish is highly entertaining and can make fans jump out of their seats in reaction. That's what I believe most fans would choose if they had to pick how a fight should end. The act of rendering an opponent unconscious with a single strike or a combination of strikes draws people back to the gladiator days (luckily without the death and dismemberment). It's made more exciting by the fact that a knockout can come out of nowhere (see Uriah Hall's finish in UFC Pittsburgh).

Submissions though, there's something to be said for forcing your opponent to quit in a fight. Whether it's a case of prolonged grappling leading to an eventual submission or sinking something like a guillotine choke in when the opponent goes for a takedown, giving your opponent the choice to either tap-out or pass out/have a limb broken is extremely satisfying. The level of technical skill and precision needed to get a submission in properly is another reason why I find submissions so much fun to watch.

It's always interesting to hear fan's takes on different fighting styles. While fighters like Robbie Lawler are embraced for their violent striking ability, others like Demian Maia are often not taken as seriously by casual fans despite being an elite submission artist.


So it seems that most fans prefer stand-up to grappling for the most part, however, there are still fans like me who love all aspects of the game.
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