11 Key Differences Boxing Vs MMA: Which Martial Art Suits You

Boxing and MMA are vastly different in terms of rules, technicality, popularity and even how tiring they are. Generally, MMA is more difficult to learn because you need to master lots of techniques to be effective.

For example striking, kicking and submission. Whereas boxing is less difficult because you only focus on a single martial art.

That said, both martial arts are high-skill martial arts that require many years of practice to master. Boxing may seem simple on the outside but there are many techniques you need to master to be effective. For example, striking, footwork, feints and clinching.

Regardless of which martial arts you want to learn, you will most likely start with boxing first (and then MMA). All the things you learn in boxing are transferable to MMA. 

I personally knew I wanted to learn MMA from the beginning – so I signed up for an MMA gym instead of a boxing gym. But regardless, I still had to start with the basics of boxing strikes before moving on to kicking and grappling. 

In this article, I will go into the details of boxing vs MMA. By the end, you should be convinced, which martial arts do you want to go for. This is going to be a comprehensive guide with lots of comparisons. So sit back with some coffee and enjoy the reading!

	Boxing	MMA
Rules	Only punching allowed.	Allows punches, kicks, elbows and grapples.
Match format	12 rounds; 3 minutes each	3-5 rounds; 5 minutes each
Difficulty to learn	Less difficult to start but could be hard due to technicality.	More techniques to learn but less technical.
Exhaustive	More tiring due to repetitive focus only on the upper body.	Less tiring because it involves many body parts.
Painfulness	Less painful	More painful
Danger	Less dangerous	More dangerous
Popularity	Popular in US	Popular in US, EU, Asia
For self defence	Less effective	More effective
For beginner	Easier for beginner	Harder for beginner
For workout	Good	Better

 

1. The Rules: Boxing Vs MMA

The basic rules of both boxing and MMA are similar – two people stand facing each other with their gloves on, and they try to attack each other to collect points (for decision victory) or win by knockout. You are to fight in multiple rounds and will have a break within each round – that’s all the similarities end.

Below are the basic rules of boxing:

1. Only striking with fists – no elbows, kicks and knees
2. You cannot strike a downed opponent
3. You can only clinch for a few seconds before being released
4. You are required to wear boxing gloves – which are much thicker and protective than MMA gloves (8oz – 10oz for matches)
5. 12 total rounds in boxing with 3 minutes each round 
6. You win by majority decision or KO

 

Below are the basic rules of MMA:

1. You can strike with fists, elbows, knees and kicks
2. You can strike a downed opponent
3. You can grapple with an opponent on the ground – including arm locks and chokes
4. You are required to wear MMA gloves – which are less thick and more exposed than boxing gloves.
5. 3-5 total rounds with 5 minutes each round (Championship matches are 5 rounds)
6. You win by majority decision, KO or submission

 

2. Which Is Harder To Learn (Technicality): Boxing Vs MMA

MMA takes longer to learn because you need to master at least a couple of martial arts like boxing, kickboxing and BJJ to be effective. That said, boxing is harder to master than MMA because in boxing, you need to master the techniques at a much higher level to be effective in a match or for self defence.

In boxing, the rules could restrict your moves quite a lot – which means it’s harder to attack your opponent and it’s also harder to evade. To be effective and win fights, you need to master the footwork and combos of boxing very well.

For example, in boxing, you are only allowed to use punches like crosses, jabs and hooks – making you extremely restricted. Your boxing opponent knows this and therefore focus solely on defence against punches. In order to strike and win, you need to master the art of punching and rhythm very well. This is why I consider boxing to be much more technical and harder to master.

In MMA, you have much more options to attack – allowing you to learn many more techniques but not necessarily master all of them. Similarly, your opponent must also learn many defensive techniques – making them learn many defensive techniques but not master them.

 

3. Which Is More Tiring: Boxing Vs MMA

As a workout, boxing is generally more tiring because it focuses solely on your upper body and arms – continuous work on the same body part will eventually tire you quickly. However, for actual matches, MMA is more tiring because the round lasts longer – 5 minute rounds in MMA as compared to 3 minute rounds in boxing.

Additionally, boxers must be very fast and have strong wrists in order to land punches accurately. MMA fighters, on the other hand, do not need to be as fast or as accurate since they can protect themselves with their hands and feet.

These are all generally speaking, of course. One of the major factors that determines which martial art is more tiring is the intensity of the workout. If you are working out with high intensity, it doesn’t matter which martial art it is – you will be tired very quickly.

 

4. Which Is More Painful: Boxing Vs MMA

MMA is generally more painful than boxing because MMA gloves are much thinner with lesser padding. This makes the punch feel more painful and you are more likely to suffer from cuts when receiving a punch with an MMA glove. Also, MMA involves arm locks and chokes which could feel extremely painful – causing you to tap out. Imagine being choked out when you are already exhausted…. yeah, painful. 

That said, boxing is equally dangerous as MMA (if not more). When receiving punches from boxing gloves, you don’t feel pain – this allows you to fight longer. However, cumulative damages from boxing punches can be dangerous and painful, even days after the fight.

Again, these are all generally speaking. The painfulness depends on your own tolerance and the fight. If your pain tolerance is high, you may not feel pain at all – regardless of the martial art. And receiving a punch on the liver is much more painful than receiving a punch on the shoulders – regardless of the martial arts.

At the end of the day, both martial arts could be painful. You shouldn’t use this factor to choose a martial art. Instead, choose the one you are interested in.

 

5. Which Is More Dangerous: Boxing Vs MMA

MMA is a more dangerous sport than boxing because of how unrestricted it is – you are allowed to use kicks, knees and even elbows to strike your opponent. Sustained injuries are more common in MMA than in boxing.

There are a few factors that could contribute to which sport is more dangerous. First and foremost, MMA relies heavily on brute force – punches and kicks – while boxing relies more on technique and footwork.

This can make it easier for an experienced MMA to take out an opponent with one powerful punch or kick, while a skilled boxer can avoid being hit altogether and use their techniques to win the fight.

In boxing where footwork and techniques are especially important – most boxers are trained very well to dodge punches or at least parry them using shoulders. This is made popular by Floyd Mayweather Jr. who went undefeated at 50-0.

Boxing also has a lower knockout percentage than MMA, which makes it a slower sport. We don’t see such 50-0 records in MMA – potentially pointing that MMA is a much more dangerous sport with much shorter career span. 

 

6. Which Is More Popular: Boxing Vs MMA

Boxing and MMA are two incredibly popular sports that have been around for decades. Boxing is more popular in the United states, while MMA is more popular in the United States, Europe and Asia.

Boxers are usually much more skilled at dodging punches – which make them exciting to watch. But it could be a slower paced sport because KO percentage is lower than MMA and a bout can last up to 12 rounds. 

MMA is much faster paced than boxing and offers a lot of action packed fights. Fighters usually have better striking skills and can knock out their opponents in record time. However, there have been many high-profile cases where boxers have defeated MMA fighters with their powerful punches.

Ultimately, both sports are extremely entertaining to watch and offer something different for everyone who enjoys them. While boxing may be considered the older brother of MMA, it’s hard to deny that MMA has completely taken over as the more popular sport today!

 

7. Which Is Better For Self Defence: Boxing Vs MMA

MMA is a much better option for self defence than boxing because of how unrestricted it is. Just like a real world self defence situation, you are allowed to use punches, kicks, knees, elbows and submission. Only using punches in a real world self defence situation is not ideal.

That said, an experienced boxer will most likely win against a casual person without any martial arts background (in a street fight). If you prefer boxing much more than MMA, then you should definitely go for boxing. Regardless of the martial art you learn, you will be much better at self defence. 

 

8. Which Is Better For Beginners: Boxing Vs MMA

Boxing is a great option for beginners because it is relatively safe, with only a few minor injuries that can be treated at a gym. Boxing also teaches discipline and focus, which are important skills for any athlete.

MMA, on the other hand, can be more challenging for beginners. There is a lot of body contact and movement required, which may be too much for some people at first.

However, regardless of the martial art you choose, as a beginner, you will most likely start by learning boxing. This means learning how to throw basic punches like jabs, cross, hooks and uppercuts.

Once you are familiar with boxing punches, you could either stick with boxing and learn more advanced skills like footwork and rhythm – or go with MMA and learn kicking and knee techniques. It’s all a matter of preference.

 

9. Which Is Better For Workout: Boxing Vs MMA

MMA is a better workout than boxing because you will be making wider movements and exercising multiple body parts and muscle groups. Boxing is a good workout to build stamina but you are more restricted to only use your upper body during your workout.

If you are more interested in workout, sweating and building stamina, then you could check out gym classes like body combat instead. These are classes designed for a good workout – which uses movements from martial arts (mostly MMA though – because multiple body parts are involved!)

If you are interested in a particular martial art and also want a good workout, then both MMA and boxing are great choices. Typically in any martial arts training, you will not be limited to just punching or kicking. Cardio plays a big role and at least half of the time, you will be doing cardio workout like jogging or shadow boxing. Which means, you are bound to have a good workout regardless of the martial art you choose.

 

10. Equipment Required: Boxing Vs MMA

Both MMA and boxing typically share the same basic equipment – which includes, gloves, hand wraps, head gears and mouth guards. MMA will have more equipment like ankle wraps, shin guard and their gloves are built differently (due to the rules and utility).

Here’s a list of equipment you will need to get started with boxing or MMA:

1. Gloves. Gloves are important to protect your hand, wrists, as well as your opponent. Boxing gloves are thicker with more support when compared to MMA gloves. Gloves are extremely important and they are the top priority when it comes to equipment. Make sure you get the right one for your martial art of choice.
2. Head gear. Headgear is important during sparring. If you are a complete beginner and have never sparred yet, then you may not need this right now. Chances are you won’t need this yet because your gym probably offers one. However, once you start sparring regularly, it’s best to get a personal one because you can keep them clean and odour-free.
3. Mouth guard. Mouth guard is similar to head gear – you will only need it once you start sparring. This should never be shared for hygienic purposes. It’s important you get a mouth guard because punches to the face can easily crack your teeth.
4. Shin guard (MMA only). Shin guard is important for MMA because you will be doing lots of kicking. You may think you don’t need this. But once you experience a kick to the shin, you will feel the pain and decide to get a shin guard. So why not get it before you are in pain?
5. Boxing shoes (Boxing only). Unlike MMA that’s done bare-foot, boxing matches are conducted with shoes on. Boxing shoes are extremely important because it will help you with your footwork. The boxing shoes you get depend on your fighting style. If you move around a lot, you may need boxing shoes with more grip. Else, they wear out quickly and you will slip often.

 

11. The History: Boxing Vs MMA

Boxing is a sport that has been around for centuries. It originated in ancient Greece, and later spread to other parts of the world. Boxing became popular in England in the 18th century, and it has since become an Olympic sport. In modern times, boxing is most popular in Asia and Africa. There are different styles of boxing, including professional boxing, amateur boxing, and women’s boxing. 

On the other hand, Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a relatively new sport that emerged in the early 1990s. It combines different styles of combat such as boxing, wrestling, judo and taekwondo into one event format. MMA is considered to be a more dangerous form of fighting than boxing, and it has a much higher death rate. However, MMA is growing in popularity all over the world, and it is now an Olympic sport.

The popularity of MMA is growing rapidly, and it is now seen as a premier combat sport. While boxing still has a strong following, MMA is likely to become the world’s most popular sport in the future. 

Fans of boxing generally view it as a more traditional sport that relies on strength, technique and discipline. MMA fans, on the other hand, appreciate the athleticism and high level of competition featured in mixed martial arts bouts.

Both sports have their supporters and detractors, but they are both popular spectator sports with passionate followers. Boxing vs MMA will likely continue to be a fiercely contested rivalry for years to come. 

Boxing and MMA are two different martial arts that have some similarities. They have both been around for centuries and are enjoyed by people all over the world. In the end, it’s all a matter of preference. If you are interested in one particular martial art, then go for it.

However, if your primary concern is self defense, then going for MMA is a better choice because of how unrestricted it is. You will learn all the necessary techniques for self defense in the real world.