There are so many different kinds of martial arts in the world and we love to watch as many as we can, whether it’s through MMA or specific fights and bouts.
Because of this, we understand how easy it is to get mixed up in the whole decision-making process of whether you should choose this sport or that sport to learn. It can get a bit overwhelming, we know!
You might want to compare combat sports and martial arts before you make your decision so that you can find an easier answer than just listing every single little detail.
After all, the more you understand one of these sports, the better decision you’re going to be able to make.
MMA and Muay Thai are two of the most popular combat sports in the world and are seen being performed by a lot of fighters.
Many learn them from the start, whereas others have learned other martial arts and then dived into these as well.
Follow the rest of our guide to find out which of these martial arts is best for you and which one you should choose.
What Is MMA?
There are a few different names that you will have heard this sport being referred to as.
Some people will know this as ultimate fighting, whereas others will refer to MMA as cage fighting or no holds barred (NHB).
However, MMA stands for mixed martial arts and that is exactly what it is.
MMA involves a lot of different martial arts, with some of the most popular ones involved being Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu, Taekwondo, and Muay Thai.
This helps fighters to learn their own techniques and form, whilst ensuring that they improve in the areas that they want to focus on, rather than specializing in one department.
What Is Muay Thai?
Also known as The Art Of Eight Limbs, this is a martial art that specializes in striking and hitting your opponent.
It’s called The Art Of Eight Limbs because of the different areas of the body that it utilizes in order to get the better of your opponent.
Using the hands, elbows, knees, and feet, there are lots of different ways that you can get an advantage over your adversary.
There are certain types of kicks and strikes that are illegal, such as kicking the knees or the groin, however, there is more than enough to choose from.
One of the best things about this sport is the way that you can focus on lots of different areas to make sure that you make the most out of your new martial art.
What Are The Differences Between MMA And Muay Thai?
So, as we’ve established already, MMA combines a lot of different striking patterns and grappling arts like wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and boxing.
However, Muay Thai focuses more on sparring and attacking your opponent using your limbs. MMA involves a lot of grappling on the floor, whereas Muay Thai is all about staying on your feet to win the fight.
Muay Thai was developed and created in Thailand, where it has become the national sport after so many years of people enjoying the combat sport and improving it.
First being seen in the 13th century, it was originally called Muay Boran and was seen as a combat system, before turning into a sport in the 19th century.
MMA, on the other hand, is a much more recent craze that has taken the world by storm.
Initially seen in the 1980s, this combat sport originated in Japan and is most famously seen in the form of UFC, where fighters like Anderson Silva, Conor McGregor, and Tony Ferguson have all enjoyed a lot of success.
Different Techniques
Muay Thai
Muay Thai has a lot of techniques that revolve and center around features of fighting like punching and kicking, which makes this a good sport for anyone who enjoys boxing or kickboxing.
This martial art isn’t as complex as MMA and is quite easy to understand, however, it does require a lot of conditioning.
Trips and throws are a great technique for taking down your opponent, whilst using leg kicks and front kicks can do a lot to reduce the endurance and the stamina of the other fighter.
On top of this, hooks and uppercuts are often used with punching in this sport, as well as knees and elbows making frequent appearances in fights.
MMA
A bit more complex than Muay Thai, MMA has a lot of different versatile styles that are used to confuse your opponent, keeping them on their toes.
Unlike Muay Thai’s standing style, MMA is often seen throughout the world, taking place on the floor.
With lots of grappling, striking, and submission techniques, you’d be surprised at all of the different things you’d see.
This means that there are a lot of different areas to learn, which can always help those who want to take on a massive task.
Chokes, joint locks, and takedowns are the center of this fighting style, with many people using these at different times to get an advantage over their opponent.
At the end of the day, you need to stay one step ahead, with MMA having the depth to do this.
Conclusion – Which Should I Learn?
Understanding the differences between these two sports is the best way to decide which one you should take part in.
We understand that there are lots of different aspects to these activities that will require a lot of thought, but you can break it down to make it a bit easier than your first thought.
First of all, Muay Thai is a bit more basic and will involve kicks, punches, and throws to overcome your opponent.
However, MMA is more of a mixed bag of different features that will focus on grappling, as well as throws and strikes.
At the end of the day, you just have to try and think of which one you think suits you more. They both require the same basic elements, but they are different once you scratch the surface.
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