Mixed martial arts is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. The top fighters are becoming international celebrities, TV ratings are high, and pay-per-view events bring in millions of dollars. And these days, many hockey fans are already watching popular MMA promotions such as the UFC.
But others may not be sure what all the hype is about. If you fall into the latter category, here's a hockey fan's guide to how the UFC stacks up with the NHL:
UFC: A fighter signals that he has lost his will to win and no longer wishes to compete by “tapping out.”
NHL: A player signals that he has lost his will to win and no longer wishes to compete by signing a contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers.
UFC: A hyper-extended elbow with a broken arm can be the result of a competitor not tapping out quickly after the successful application of an armbar.
NHL: A hyper-extended elbow with a broken arm is an acceptable reason to miss one or two shifts during the playoffs while the trainer tapes it up.
UFC: “The World's Most Dangerous Man” was the nickname of UFC hall-of-famer Ken Shamrock.
NHL: “The World's Most Dangerous Man” is what Flyers fans call whoever is starting in net for that night's playoff game.
UFC: There is a common misconception that the sport is a vicious free-for-all where anything goes no matter how brutal, when in fact it is governed by a clear set of strictly enforced rules.
NHL: There is a common misconception that the sport is governed by a clear set of strictly enforced rules.
UFC: Ground and pound is a fighting style that aims to take an opponent to the mat and then employ a striking attack from a dominant position.
NHL: Ground and pound is Bruce Boudreau's answer to the question “What is your favorite type of beef, and how much of it have you smuggled into the arena tonight in your pockets?”
UFC: If a match does not end in regulation time, it goes to the judges' decision; in especially even and hard-fought contests, the fight can be declared a draw.
NHL: The league knows that real sports fans don't enjoy ties, and fans would be much happier if the UFC moved to deciding matches with a rock-paper-scissors contest.
UFC: The action takes place inside a caged structure called an octagon, which many critics have called the most dangerous structure in all of sports.
NHL: The action takes place inside a rink, which has been carefully designed to ensure the safety of all—oh good God look out for that stanchion!
UFC: If a girl in a bikini holds up the number one to the crowd, it signifies that the first round of a fight is about to begin.
NHL: If a guy in a Bruins jersey holds up the number one to the crowd, it signifies that his glove got stuck, he says.
UFC: Competitors know that it's time to start throwing punches when they hear those four words: “Let's get it on!”
NHL: Competitors know that it's time to start throwing punches when they hear those four words: “Hello, I'm Patrick Kaleta.”
UFC: Fans are encouraged to watch The Ultimate Fighter, a made-for-TV production that is occasionally entertaining despite the results holding little actual importance.
NHL: Same concept, but they call it “the regular season.”
UFC: Canadian star Georges St-Pierre employs a methodical style that is highly effective but is often criticized for not producing exciting or dramatic moments.
NHL: Georges St-Pierre has been offered the head coaching job in New Jersey.
UFC: Popular commentator Joe Rogan is also one of his country's best-known stand-up comedians.
NHL: Popular commentator Don Cherry is also one of his country's best-known stand-up comedians, although he doesn't seem to realize it.
UFC: A “choke” is a legal manoeuvre in which a competitor cuts off his opponent's air supply in order to secure a quick submission.
NHL: Insert your own Vancouver Canucks joke here.