Is it right for Christians to participate in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports?

Christians are, in fact, polarized over this issue. One side argues that participation in this sport is acceptable because it teaches discipline and self-control. The opposing view maintains that we should not intentionally harm others for thrills or enjoyment. Those who support combat sports utilize the boxing analogy of Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:26. This boxing metaphor suggests that he must beat down his powerful opponent till he bleeds. We know this isn't literal because Paul was referring to sin. The truth is that every Christian understands that bloody contact sports with the goal of intentionally injuring the opponent do not squarely mesh with loving your brethren and/or neighbors (see Matt. 5:43). I remember a sports reporter telling of two MMA pastors fighting with each other within the octagon while referring to each other as brothers in the Lord. Surely we cannot deceive our emotions because, when someone hurts us, our motivation is to fight back. Even one Christian boxer admitted that what he was doing was wrong in the sense that they tried to hurt one another, which is why he wanted to think God would forgive them because it was their calling. One Christian commented, "Because there is always someone who is better, participation in the study of combat sports has the great benefit of deflating someone's ego. You can inflate your chest all you want, but the truth will come out in the ring or on the mat." Keep in mind that these sorts of combat sports can result in you inflicting serious bodily harm on your opponent. Even though I disagree with certain believers who participate in these contact sports, I respect their conviction.