I'm an unlikely fan of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.  A sport that mixes boxing, kickboxing, martial arts, and wrestling doesn't sound like something that would appeal to me.  I'm more of a ball sport kind of guy.  And even then, I'm not much of an athlete, nor am I very macho.  I prefer the company of puppies and butterflies.  Not really. 

But there's just something awesome about watching two guys beat the life out of each other.  And it's not just about punching each other in the head like boxing.  It involves a lot more strategy and strength.  And it has nothing to do with getting your opponent in a certain position and holding him there for a certain amount of time like wrestling.  It has everything to do with knocking your opponent out with repeated elbows to the face.  It has everything to do with getting your opponent to submit by trapping them in an armbar or a chokehold.  It has everything to do with punching and kicking and kneeing your opponent until they're incoherent, all the while attempting to dodge your opponent's retaliation and escape his submission holds. 

As a Christian, it seems kind of wrong to support violence and bloodshed.  It's difficult to be a Christian and legitimately support things like war and the death penalty.  So in a way, I wish I didn't like UFC.  I wish I didn't find it interesting.  I wish I didn't find it morbidly fascinating.  But the fact is, it's an incredible sport.  I watch it while partially covering my eyes.  The shedding of blood and the tolerance for pain is almost sickening.  But it's just so cool. 

In my defense, I'll claim this:  People participate in this sport as a choice.  They're not drafted in.  They're not drugged or enslaved.  They're not offered huge salaries or mega-fame (though there's some of each involved).  They enter knowing full well that their bodies will be bruised and beaten and that they may suffer major consequences as a result.  Like my brother-in-law claims of his job as an army captain, "It's a volunteer army."  And while that point may be argued, it certainly can't be argued for this sport.  It's a choice.  They choose to fight.  I choose to watch. #sports