Lunatic Aus Critics: UFC 193 ‘potentially facilitating child abuse’

70,000 fans are expected to watch UFC 193 this weekend at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Australia. However, some Australian politicians and child protection groups are saying that the government should pass a law barring children from the event. The rational solution is of course to let parent’s make the decision.

While MMA has been legal in the state of Victoria (Melbourne is the capital), use of the safety fence enclosure has only been permitted since the start of the year. And some of the opposition to the sport is bizarre.

I am yet again staggered by the fact that this brutality on show, which features people locked in cages, gouging, punching, kicking and spitting, allows children in as paying witnesses, said Bernie Geary, leader of the government-affiliated Commission for Children and Young People.

Child advocate Dr Phil West walked further up the crazy ladder.

By allowing children to attend MMA you are in fact breaching Victorian law and potentially facilitating child abuse,” he wrote.

UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey spoke out against the misguided lunacy, in an interview with Melbourne’s channel 7.

I don’t believe it’s violent at all,” said Rousey, as transcribed by Laurel Irving for Yahoo Australia. “I think it’s called martial arts for a reason, it’s an art.”

It might look a little graphic, it doesn’t actually mean it’s that dangerous. Most of the injuries in the sport are actually cosmetic.

The fighter said the only way to understand the sport is to watch it. And she hopes this weekend’s event serves to both increase the popularity of MMA down under, and to educate critics.

I really am humbled and feel very honored to be a part of Australia’s history,” said the champ.

There will be no restrictions on children attending UFC 193. If your mom says it’s ok, it’s ok.