Mixed martial arts is no more ‘ultra-violent’ in its nature than rugby

Despite claiming that physical activity in schools and decreasing childhood obesity are two of her big issues, Senator Catherine Noone would seem to have started a campaign to prevent one of the world’s fastest growing sports from increasing in popularity.

Her disgust with mixed martial arts — and UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) in particular — is genuine. Referring to it as a “vile, so-called sport”, Senator Noone fails to grasp the qualities required to excel.

If her objection is to the “ultra-violent” nature of the sport, then she will have to settle her political crosshairs on a number of other sports which are far more popular than MMA.