Is a Black Belt really needed in MMA?

Question

Seems like wrestlers have done pretty well in Mixed Martial Arts, and i know Matt Hughes does not have a black belt because Militech Fighting Systems does not award belts. But, will a mixed martial artist get more respect and better marketing if he has black belts?

Answer 1

It is a good marketing tactic. If a new fighter has a 3rd Dan in TKD as well as a 1st Dan in Jujitsu for example that would be easier to market than someone who just has high school wrestling experience. Not to say it can't be done, just more difficult.

Answer 2

a black belt is rank within a style karte tae kwon do judo etc. MMA is a sport not a style its "mixed" kickboxing BJJ judo boxing plus the belt system was somehtign intented in the USA to help draw student to pay you more money for training the japenese and koreans had no belt system

Answer 3

no

Answer 4

sometimes. i mean it is mixed martial arts and therefore a black belt is expected in the martial arts part. if you havn't dont any distance fighting i suggest you do as any person that does karate, tai kwon doe etc will beat the **** out of a wrestler who doesn't know how to effictly counter the styles. wresteling is a close range fighting style and im not saying you should change just look into other fighting styles to add to your arsenal and be better at countering. the more diverse you are as a fighter the better your chances and more your respect/appeal.

Answer 5

ask Kimbo or Silvia

Answer 6

here's a list of a couple guys off the top of my head w/o black belts of any kind and i'll let you draw your own conclusion

fedor

rampage

forrest

tito

cro cop

couture

franklin

henderson

fitch

hughes

koscheck

gomi

Answer 7

I hope not that sounds dumb, it should be whoever is the best fighter

Answer 8

yes probally theres more to show and a better chance

Answer 9

Not neccerialy, it would help in a fight if you where really experienced in something but a lot of fighters know one style and then they start cramming other styles in.

Answer 10

It sound's good on the resume!

Answer 11

No.  There are schools out there that almost hand the things out.  The only way to get respect in something like this are wins against good opponents.  No color of belt makes you look good when you're getting the daylights beaten out of you.

Answer 12

No, but you do need skills. A lot of contenders with black belts have lost fights with lower ranked MMA  opponents. the belt does not win or lose the fight it is the contender. You must hone your skills to back up your belts worth.

Answer 13

i guess so

Answer 14

A black belt is only a black piece of cloth. As for marketing it may be more appealing.