An Exploration of Aggression in MMA: A Qualitative Study

Aggression can be defined as any behavior with the intent to harm another living being (Tenenbaum, Stewart, Singer, & Duda, 1996). This definition; however, far from encompasses the complexities of this widely debated topic in the sporting realm. Much of research has focused on aggression from an early developmental perspective such as Social Learning Theory (Bandura, 1978) and Instinct Theory (Gillespie, 1971). However, the use of aggression in combat sports requires intricate skill and extensive learning, as in the case of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). In MMA, many fighters represent an array of martial art backgrounds as a means to knock out or submit an opponent. Studies have shown the impact of martial arts on aggression (Trulson, 1986), but very few research studies have looked at the motivation and emotion behind the behavior. Recent studies have provided an alternative perspective to viewing aggression that replaces the simplistic dichotomy of hostile and instrumental aggression (Grange & Kerr, 2011, Kerr, 2005, and Bushman & Anderson, 2001). Using a Grounded Theory approach (Corbin & Strauss, 1990), the researcher explored how aggression is experienced among professional MMA fighters by looking at the factors that influence their aggression before, during, and after competition. In addition, using the theoretical frameworks of the Reversal Theory (Kerr, 2005), the study was able to explore the metamotivational states experienced by the participants. The qualitative research design process consisted of six formal semi-structured interviews with professional mixed martial artist from various martial art academies. The results support examples of both hostile and instrumental aggression along with strong evidence of deliberate use of controlled aggression.

Practitioners can use this information going forward as a basis to develop interventions to help teach athletes how to facilitate performance through the use of controlled aggression.