Mixed martial arts culture can be detrimental
While martial arts are one of the fastest growing sports in the US, the dangers are often dismissed. Yet, for 30 year old Michael Kirkham, his first professional mixed martial arts fight in June of this year was also his last.
Kirkham collapsed in the ring and though he was given immediate CPR, the 6'9" fighter died from extensive internal injuries.
One local doctor suggests that it is the culture of some martial arts fighting that is to blame.
The mentality that 'these fighters are gladiators, let them go out on their shields' is really detrimental to the sport," says Dr. Johnny Benjamin, an orthopedic surgeon who has mixed martial arts and boxing clients. "It needs to be seen more in the light of a major sport like the NFL and major league baseball."
Mixed martial arts are an extreme physical contact sport and many different types of martial arts are combined into one. Kirkham is only the second person to die from mixed martial arts fighting in the US.