Spectators and Sports

It is impossible to discuss the appeal of combative sports without also discussing the audiences that are attracted to such displays. While some media depictions of audiences are less than flattering, mostly members of the audience are basically average, everyday people enjoying a little time watching their favorite sport. The audiences are not bloodthirsty nor do they wish injury on the competitors. They simply wish to take part in the more thrilling aspects of the event. In a way, they place themselves in the middle of the bout and create a sort of mental fusion with the participants.

If this sounds like psychobabble, it really isn't. It is pretty much an established psychological fact that those who enjoy combat sports possess a desire to transfer their anxiety into the bouts. Whether the sport is boxing, the UFC, or even professional wrestling, the need to feel a release of anxiety and stress through the conduit of a professional combat sports bout fuels the appeal of the events.

Does this mean that love of combat sports automatically indicates a person has psychological issues. Of course it doesn't! It simply means that something in the subconscious of a spectator is attracted to watching these events. We'll explore that in a little more depth next time around.