How would you feel about someone who is an MMA fighter? Most of the women I've dated seem to lose interest or try to discourage me from competing?

[blended_ninja]

I train and fight competitively in MMA, and ever since I started, it seems like dating has become more difficult. I don't make a fool of myself in public, and I don't really get inured very often. I still have a normal full time job that easily pays for everything, so it's not like I'm one of those guys who doesn't have anything. So far, it seems like the problem is specifically that I fight competitively. Is there a reason for that?

[SueShe]

I personally would hesitate to befriend a man that is into violent sports such as the one you mention, boxing, karate and the likes.

My main reason behind my reasoning is that the injury risk is very high and can never be excluded. Also, those violent sports where the head is also the target of kicks and punches substantially increases the risk of injury induced Alzheimer's as well as
traumatic brain injury (TBI). The best example for the consequences those kind of injuries would be boxer Cassius Clay, better known as Muhammad Ali.

Finally, a adept of violent sports could also misuse his force in a domestic conflict. That is a risk I would never be ready to accept.

[blended_ninja]

I understand the risk of injury is something my partner would have to accept. I do get concussions, and my nose was recently broken as well. However, I haven't really seen a big difference in domestic disputes between trained and untrained people.

[jennifer_bloom]

Some people might wander if your angry inside cause guys like Tyson and others go into combat sports to deal with their anger and girls might wonder if you will sacrifice your career to fight professionally. Like I know guys who refuse to date attractive girls with media jobs cause they do not see that as a career they can continue to do when they get older and some girls may wonder if you will have time for them or be able to eat with them at restaurants if you are on a strict diet.

[blended_ninja]

The diet is only strict when I'm cutting weight, otherwise I eat almost anything lol. I don't really get angry, and when I do I just work out. Time has only been an issue during my weight cuts, so a few times a year. The only time I would give up my job as a licensed plumber is if I was making as much money as McGregor. I plan on maintain and improving and maintaining my licenses as a safety net.

[AmandaYVR]

They probably think that you are hot-headed and have a volatile temper/fuse.

How would you describe your personality?
People who fight do have certain common traits.

Some men say "women want guys to be tough, strong" but most women don't want that taken too far. They want to feel safe, but also that he won't cause trouble. They want him to be strong, but also sensitive and sensible.

[blended_ninja]

I'm not volatile or hot-headed. I'm usually calm, but I am enthusiastic and passionate. Any arrogance I have is strictly limited to my opponents.

[AmandaYVR]

Yeah I get that intimidation tactics are used in sport, war, etc. Actually, a lot in male culture.
Masculine intimidation: How effective is this? ↗
(Although comically/interestingly, many commenters deny its effectiveness.)

But what drew you to professional fighting then?
Not on a physical level, but mentally, what's the draw?

[blended_ninja]

I enjoy the challenge. I spend months preparing for a fight, and the stakes are higher. I have to fight intelligently and at my best, or I lose and get hurt. It's also a healthier and more fun outlet for any aggression I may have.

[AmandaYVR]

Do you believe you have higher testosterone levels? Does it feel more like an angsty need to expel somewhere/somehow?

I watched a documentary on this recently.
But it didn't answer the character, personality, traits. Just the mechanics of fighting. Parents were teaching their kids to fight, in one example. But the kid lost and felt dejected. That's a lesson right there, not being a sore loser. But the kids were definitely amped up, and they look like they have a short fuse. Wouldn't take much for them to get into an altercation, a non-sanctioned one.

[blended_ninja]

I have high testosterone levels, but I have an iron control on my aggression and my temper. When I was a kid, I would get into fights, but I haven't done that in years. I still train for self defense as a just in case, but I haven't had a reason to fight outside of the gym or the cage in a while. I do like to blow off steam, but that's easily done with one of my daily conditioning routines.

[AmandaYVR]

So would you say that you were biologically born with more of a temper, but your fighting has taught you a constructive outlet, so now it's not uncontrolled? Instead, you vent it in a very disciplined way?

[blended_ninja]

Biological and environmental, but yes. Honestly, most people never see my aggressive side and don't know it exists. Most things I did were controlled, including fighting people as a kid, so as to not get in trouble. Fighting competitively now allows me to vent any tension while training, and the fight itself provides a challenge.

[AmandaYVR]

Yep, makes sense. And that's honest of you.
Wdym, you fought as a kid, "so as to not get in trouble"? Like, you would just ask kids, "wanna fight?"

[blended_ninja]

No, other kids would do stupid things or try to bully me. If you set everything up right and push their buttons correctly, they fight you where there's no supervision. It was way easier than trying to working though a bunch of conflict resolution stuff that counselors and teachers would push.

[AmandaYVR]

lolol. Oh ok.
I'm mostly against physical violence, and believe in calm reasoning.
But otoh bullies are bullies and I do have a different opinion in that context. You can't let them run amok. There are ways to stop them. And the best ways are not involving adults. At least, not visibly.
I could tell you stories, but I'm tired of typing. And my nails are too long. I'm goona go file them, ha.

[kyleelyn199723]

My man used to be a boxer and I think it’s attractive, but a lot of women aren’t into the idea of their man fighting, getting hurt and possible huge injure. How often are you in the gym training?

[blended_ninja]

About 4 hours a day, except Sunday. I split the weekday training for half before and then half after work.

[kyleelyn199723]

Maybe it’s your availability more than the sport itself, but just hang in there. You will find someone that adores that you love training. My man now plays hockey for two teams and I’ve probably only missed 2-3 games in the past year and a half

[blended_ninja]

I'm pretty available most of the time, even with my work and training schedules. The only time I don't have free time is when I'm cutting weight.

[Somegirl408]

i wouldn't mind it actually i find it really hot, a lot of women r just very soft hearted they dont like violence so thats why theyr put off

[blended_ninja]

I'm glad there's hope that I'll meet someone who appreciates it lol