I like the cage for some of the same reason but the ring has two major factors going for it.
1) Much better visibility. Didn’t realize how much of a factor this is until I went to my first UFC event. You’ve got an incredibly nuanced sport blocked by cage, support beams, and camera men. Unless you’re cageside (and even then) it’s kust better to look at the screens.
2) Corners = more action. One of the reasons why I think Cro Cop didn’t excel in the UFC is the lack of ability to corner his opponent, a place he always seems to set something up. I didn’t realize this until I started sparring in an octagon. I have something of a Lyoto-like style, and in the Octagon I was always able to circle away from my opponent, hugely advantageous for me but frustrating for my opponent, and for Just Bleed fans like myself.
Just my 2 cents