Rugby was too violent, says UFC legend

Rugby comes with very few requirements; suitable boots, a gum shield, and your team’s colours.

Now when it comes to the intensity and the physicality of the game, there are very few sports that quite match up to it. American Football is a common comparison, Aussie Rules Football maybe.

Mixed Martial Arts…not so much. Seen as one of, if not the toughest sport in the world, it has grown hugely over the past twenty or so years. Its growth has been very much in line with the game of rugby, but that’s where the comparison ends.

The sport of Mixed Martial Arts has the simple aim of either knocking out or submitting an opponent. No such objective appears in rugby.

However, 37 year old MMA superstar, Derrick Lewis has admitted that Rugby was one sport his mother did not want him playing:

Lewis had been enjoying himself at the Houston SaberCats game at the weekend, and we’re all here for it.

“One of the best games I’ve ever been to, maybe it’s because of the drinks, maybe just because it’s a great game.

“My mum, she didn’t want me to play rugby cus it was too violent, didn’t have protection, no head protection anything like that.

“I love the sport, I’ve always loved the sport. I’ve watched it for years.

“I’m just so happy Housten Sabers have got a rugby team.”