Derrick Lewis: mma is easier than boxing

In theory, the sport of MMA is harder than boxing simply because it includes boxing and a load of other shit too. In reality though, the competition in boxing is just way greater with most top level fighters being groomed since toddlers. There are high quality amateur programs in many countries like Russia, GB, US, Cuba, etc, and only the best make it to pros. From there it's an uphill battle with many organisations each with 100's of talent and 1000's of gatekeepers It's probably one of the hardest sports to make it to the top actually.

Plus, having 1 loss in boxing is like a death sentence where as in MMA a guy can have a 50% winning record and still become champion lol.
 
Derrick Lewis on UFC Unfiltered podcast says he chose mma over boxing because mma is easier.

He believes the grappling aspect gives "resting" phases not allowed in boxing. So one does not need to train as hard as boxers do.

Do you believe he is on to something?


He sees it as resting because he doesn't even do fucking anything. He just lays there hoping the ref will rescue him.

I'd like to see him try to take some fatass heavyweight down.
 
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Yeah...they never rest by clinching in boxing...oh wait

P.S. Clinch
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Yeah...they never rest by clinching in boxing...oh wait

P.S. Clinch
P.P.S. Punch
P.P.P.S. Clinch
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Those clinches get broken up in a matter of seconds by the ref.

How long does it take for a ref to stop some good old wall and stall ? Some sitting in half-guard ?

Yeah, fuck out of here with that retarded shit you dumb fuck.
 
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he forgot to mention that the competition in boxing is much tougher and filled with A-level athletes that have been training since they were kids with 300+ fights.

in mma all you need is 9 fights to fight for the world title and supposed p4p top ranked champions. (cody, weidman etc)
 
He makes a decent point, but I don't think he's right.
 
You can go both ways. You can say "oh in MMA there's alot more to learn so it's harder" which is true and you can also say "oh but in boxing you can only use your hands so it's harder " which is also true.

Also stop with this A,B,C, D level athlete shit. It's ridiculous.
 
Boxing forums are always calling so and so a bum.

Not every boxer is some finely tuned AAA Athlete.
 
I think its easier to gain ground in HW mma than perhaps HW boxing....So naybe Lewis is correct there but the great thing about MMA is Lewis would never get the Deontay Wilder treatment.
 
Kimbos boxing record vs his ufc record
Holly holms boxing record vs her ufc record
 
I was only able to train inconsistently for a long time and as a result that's exactly why I chose MMA instead of boxing. My brother also switched to boxing after a while because he felt like MMA wasn't a challenge as well. I've been saying that for years, nice to finally hear a professional fighter say the same.
 
I literally have no idea how someone can be stupid enough to think excelling at the high level of boxing is easier than excelling at the high level of MMA. It's not even close.
 
of course mma is easier.

in boxing all fighters have to focus on is punching n avoid punches. they dont have to worry about kicks, knees, elbows clinch, td, ground control, sub...

so its much easier for someone to become elite at it n for a beginner much harder to catch up

in mma you have many different disciplines n many things to worry about.

so chances are nobody will be elite at every single aspect of mma.

its much easier for a beginner to catch up n be competitive.

ex. no beginner would be competitive with maia on the ground, however striking with maia would be more competitive.

on the other hand striking with wonderboy thompson might no be the best idea, but grappling with him would be more competitive.
 
'Harder' in what way?

I have wrestled (in HS) and boxed (in HS and in my early 20's) and as far as learning actual technique, I would say boxing is infinitely harder.

For one, learning good boxing technique means you have to employ what you are doing while getting punched in the face, even in sparring. You can drill wrestling techniques without that fear. Big difference.
Drilling a TD is not the same as rolling. You can practice boxing on bags. You can't teach a good, useful switch without application. Wrestling takes more skill and requires immense cardio.
 
Drilling a TD is not the same as rolling. You can practice boxing on bags. You can't teach a good, useful switch without application. Wrestling takes more skill and requires immense cardio.

Practicing on a bag is nowhere near the same as utilizing technique while another guy stands across from you and is trying to hit you - think Tyson's old adage of 'everyone's got a plan until they get punched in the mouth' ... that's why most people look very good shadow boxing, etc., but look like shit in a real fight, or even in sparring.

When you are rolling, you are not overly worried about being immediately physically injured, allowing you to concentrate on technique.
 
Kimbos boxing record vs his ufc record
Holly holms boxing record vs her ufc record
The talent in WMMA is 10x the talent in Women's boxing, although the gap is closing with the first batch of Womens Olympic boxers turning pro.

Kimbo fought D level MMA fighters, but Z level boxers
 
Those clinches get broken up in a matter of seconds by the ref.

How long does it take for a ref to stop some good old wall and stall ? Some sitting in half-guard ?

Yeah, fuck out of here with that retarded shit you dumb fuck.
Read "A Piece of Steak" by Jack London to get a better insight into the subtleties of rest regarding the clinch game.

Yeah, fuck out of here with that retarded shit you dumb fuck.

P.S. 10 more clinches occurred during this response
 
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