Violence Or Controlled Competition? Ryan Loder Breaks Down The Truth About MMA

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has long faced criticism for being too violent, with some detractors calling it a glorified brawl masked as sport. But to those inside the cage, like professional MMA fighter Ryan Loder, those accusations miss the bigger picture.

In an exclusive conversation with The Blast, Ryan Loder pushed back against the notion that MMA promotes brutality, emphasizing the deep discipline and respect ingrained in the sport from day one.

"People who train in martial arts understand the dangers and the control," Loder explained. "One of the first things you learn is discipline. To be peaceful, you have to know how to be dangerous, and how to control it. When I train, I’m not trying to hurt my partners. I’m trying to beat them with technique, timing, and skill."

Loder, a seasoned fighter and mentor to younger athletes, made it clear that full-force fighting only happens under strict, sanctioned conditions.

"The only time I go 100% is in a sanctioned fight, against another trained professional who has also agreed to go all out," Loder told The Blast. "We’re both there willingly. That’s the only way to truly find out who’s better. We have to strip it down to as few rules as possible. Anything else gets in the way of a pure fight."

For those who question the ethical side of MMA, particularly whether it encourages violence for entertainment, Loder addressed the heart of the issue: choice.

"The key is this: we chose to be here. No one is forced into the octagon. You can’t get to the UFC level unless you want it. There are a lot easier ways to make money than fighting. People choose this path because they love it. We’re not out here trying to hurt someone for fun, it’s about testing yourself, your preparation, your skill."

Some critics have also raised concerns about younger fighters being exploited in the pursuit of fame or profit. Loder didn’t deny that risks exist but stressed that exploitation isn’t unique to MMA, it’s about who surrounds you.

"If someone is talented and they’re surrounded by the wrong people, they can be exploited, whether it’s sports, business, or anything else. Fighting is no exception," he told The Blast. "That’s why mentorship is so important. If you’ve got a good coach and a solid team, they’ll protect you from the people who just want to use you. I try to be that person for my fighters now, because I was lucky to have people like that in my life."

As for where the line is drawn between sport and outright violence, Loder believes the distinction lies in control and safety protocols.

"There’s no real difference between competition and violence until someone can’t defend themselves. That’s where the referee steps in. The beauty of MMA is that we’re all professionals, we know how to push each other without crossing the line," he said.

"When the fight becomes dangerous, someone steps in to stop it. The sport is built on structure, rules, and respect. Violence without rules is something else entirely."

Entering the cage takes strength, but stepping into a leadership role takes purpose.

The UFC fighter, "Ultimate Fighter" Season 32 champion, Division I All-American wrestler, and spokesperson for Healthy Life Recovery, has come to realize that true success isn’t measured by personal wins alone, it’s about sharing the mindset, discipline, and knowledge that define a champion.

Loder’s words paint a picture of MMA as more than just a physical clash, it's a mental, emotional, and spiritual challenge that demands discipline, control, and mutual respect. For him and many others, it's not about inflicting pain, it's about pushing limits.

Now serving as a wrestling coach at Team Alpha Male, one of the premier MMA gyms in the world, Ryan is dedicated to mentoring and molding the next generation of fighters.