- Joined
- May 14, 2021
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- 272
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Dagestan is a small region. Is has done disproportionately well. They have produced not only a string of world class mma practitioners but also wrestlers... Hell they even have the odd world champion... All from the population sample the size of a small American city.How have they done disproportionately well? They may well have, but you're falling prey to basic selection bias. People remember good fighters, not the trove of less memorable ones who wash out. And Dagestan, for example, has its fair share of unremarkable fighters.
Obviously, living a clean life is beneficial, but there are plenty of athletes where self-destructive habits are part of them. The same obsession that makes them great fighters can easily be a vice. That's why I don't put much stock on morals and such being the major factor when we're looking at the sport systematically. I'll also add that one of the classic traits of great fighters is the willingness to do everything possible to win...aka cheating. Think GSP cleverly grabbing Bisping's shorts so hard he broke his cup.
Faith can be an anchor, as can many other things, some fighters need isolation, some need to blow off steam. It's reductive to say religion in of itself is a major determining factor of athletic success. Since you metnioned the spartan lifestyle, one of the classic challenges many religious Cubans have faced after defecting and trunign pro is not being able to cope wtih the newfound freedom and riches. And you can't tell me Guillermo Rigondeaux was less disciplined than Khabib in his prime.
You're arguing for the sake of it. Again i never said religion is the be all anr nd alll... It is however as a guiding principle useful to mma.