Ah its probably because you've only seen fighters kicking, boxing, and smashing each other, no? There is one crucial part of MMA you are forgetting: grappling

Ah its probably because you've only seen fighters kicking, boxing, and smashing each other, no? There is one crucial part of MMA you are forgetting: grappling Grappling is more like chess, you need to make the proper position and holds to execute the next move. At the same time, you must avoid opening yourself to critical locks: kneebar, choke, kimura lock etc. A smart fighter, for example, can render a stronger opponent to submission if he has him on a "kneebar". One of my favorite fighter is Sakuraba who fights smartly (He comes up with counter-attacks on-the-fly). His fights are entertaining and full of sportsmanship. If you're into it, google Sakuraba vs Gracie family.