The rules of MMA have become fairly well defined in recent years. With the goal of minimizing the chance of life changing injury (remember injury and potential

The rules of MMA have become fairly well defined in recent years. With the goal of minimizing the chance of life changing injury (remember injury and potential death is possible with many popular sports). Which make it quiet different from a Roman spectacle. A fight can be stopped by a referee if the fighter is deemed to be unable to protect themselves effectively in order to prevent excessive injury. A fighter can stop the fight at any time if he is not comfortable with the pain. I think the distinction between sports violence and criminal violence is that both parties are well informed, consenting and aware of what is happening and that its happening in a controlled environment where the risks are minimized with doctors on hand. Whether or not sanctioned informed violence is personally to your taste or good for society is a different question.