Famous MMA trainer Javier Mendes expressed his opinion that mixed martial arts and boxing do not fit the classic definition of sport.
"MMA is not really a 'real' sport. It never has been. This also applies to professional boxing. Because in these sports, specific people decide who to put on the card in order to gather more viewers. Boxers, for example, can refuse to fight someone and go on with their performance. In traditional sports, you don't get to pick your opponent.
Take Paddy Pimblett, for example. People like him, his fights are entertaining. Should he fight for the title? Usually in sports, you have to earn that right. And in the UFC you can "earn" a chance for a serious fight not only by winning, but also by the attitude of the audience. People want to see Paddy in the octagon. So he's born demand. And where there is demand..." - Mendes stated on his YouTube channel.
