The Experience of Aggression Among Mixed Martial Arts Athletes Interpreted Through Reversal Theory

The purpose of the present study was to explore the nature and experience of aggression and aggressiveness in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) athletes based on the premise that, contrary to the consensus view in general psychology and some misguided arguments in sport psychology, aggression is neither unhealthy nor pathological, but an integral and positive component in some sports. U.S. MMA professionals took part in semi-structured interviews and data analysis involved grounded theory procedures and reversal theory interpretations of results. The results showed that athletes defined aggression in terms of MMA fighting where being aggressive was considered important for successful performance, but only when used cleverly and not as blind aggression. Some athletes experienced higher levels of aggression in practice than in competition where it was important to remain cool and controlled. Athletes' aggression stayed within the bounds of MMA fighting and training and did not appear in other contexts.