UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones 8-1-2018 Fighting For Fellowship: An Ethnographic Exploration of Mixed Martial Arts Culture in Las Vegas Brian O'hara Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/thesesdissertations Part of the Sociology Commons Repository Citation O'hara, Brian, "Fighting For Fellowship: An Ethnographic Exploration of Mixed Martial Arts Culture in Las Vegas" (2018). UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones. 3374. http://dx.doi.org/10.34917/14139897 This Dissertation is protected by copyright and/or related rights. It has been brought to you by Digital Scholarship@UNLV with permission from the rights-holder(s). You are free to use this Dissertation in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. 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FIGHTING FOR FELLOWSHIP: AN ETHNOGRAPHIC EXPLORATION OF MIXED MARTIAL ARTS CULTURE IN LAS VEGAS By Brian Scott O’Hara Bachelor of Arts – Speech Communication Colorado State University 2004 Master of Arts – Communication Studies University of Nevada, Las Vegas 2008 A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy – Sociology Department of Sociology College of Liberal Arts The Graduate College University of Nevada, Las Vegas August 2018 Copyright by Brian Scott O’Hara 2018 All Rights Reserved Dissertation Approval The Graduate College The University of Nevada, Las Vegas August 22, 2018 This dissertation prepared by Brian Scott O’Hara entitled Fighting for Fellowship: An Ethnographic Exploration of Mixed Martial Arts Culture in Las Vegas is approved in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy – Sociology Department of Sociology Michael Borer, Ph.D. Kathryn Hausbeck Korgan, Ph.D. Examination Committee Chair Graduate College Interim Dean David Dickens, Ph.D. Examination Committee Member Robert Futrell, Ph.D. Examination Committee Member Gregory Borchard, Ph.D. Graduate College Faculty Representative ii ABSTRACT Fighting For Fellowship: An Ethnographic Exploration Of Mixed Martial Arts Culture In Las Vegas by Brian Scott O’Hara Dr. Michael Borer, Examination Committee Chair Associate Professor of Sociology University of Nevada, Las Vegas Due to the legalization of social taboos including prostitution, gambling, and marijuana, many historical portrayals of Las Vegas have been unfavorable. Furthermore, powerful mediated imagery complete with vivid pictures of encouraged hedonism and celebrated debauchery has added to negative perceptions of this city. Despite negative sentiments, city officials are often unapologetic, and even publicly boastful about the absence of traditional values and communal appeal. However, I argue that many depictions of this city do not tell the full story of what is going on here. I looked beyond surface-level imagery and representations of Las Vegas, to discover a strong sense of community does exist here, albeit I had to look in an unusual place to find it – in the world of prizefighting. In this study, I show how a sense of community is centered around Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) culture. Around 2001, MMA had a niche following in Las Vegas, but has since flourished into a worldwide social phenomenon. During this ethnographic exploration of community within Las Vegas, I use MMA culture as an analytical tool, as a lens, to better understand how people find a sense of meaning in this city, and where they go to do it. One major implication of this study is that we may have to look in seemingly unusual places to better understand where community is created in the city, and how it is sustained. iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS First and foremost, this work would not have been possible without my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Romans 11:36 states, “For Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen.” His ongoing presence, and constant stewardship over my life have been immeasurable. I want to especially thank my advisor Dr. Michael Borer for his mentorship and guidance. I am forever grateful for his commitment to me, and all that he has taught me throughout this process. I also want to express my deep appreciation for my other committee members: Dr. David Dickens, Dr. Robert Futrell, and Dr. Greg Borchard. I am extremely blessed to have such an esteemed and supportive committee. Also, thank you to my entire family, both back home in Colorado, as well as my family members in Las Vegas. Most notably, I thank my parents whose unending love and support have always allowed for any success during all my pursuits. The sacrifices they have made to help me accomplish my goals are beyond measure. Also, a very special thank you goes to my loving and supportive wife, Kelly, who provides me with unimaginable inspiration and fulfillment. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................................... iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ................................................................................................................. iv CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 1 Images and Representations of the City ........................................................................................... 1 Research Questions ........................................................................................................................ 4 Overview and Rationale ................................................................................................................. 5 Theoretical Orientation................................................................................................................... 7 Contribution to Literature ............................................................................................................... 7 Personal Background and Connection to MMA ............................................................................... 8 CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW ............................................................................................ 11 Theoretical Orientation................................................................................................................. 17 Historical Context of Martial Arts ................................................................................................. 20 CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY...................................................................................................... 30 The Research Process ................................................................................................................... 30 Brief Sample of Interview Schedule .............................................................................................. 32 Reflexivity, Ethical Considerations, and Political Concerns ............................................................ 35 CHAPTER 4 MMA GYMS IN LAS VEGAS .................................................................................... 38 Interaction Places and Practices .................................................................................................... 38 Practicing Mixed Martial Arts Culture ........................................................................................... 39 Urban Identities and Lifestyles...................................................................................................... 43 CHAPTER 5 THE MEANING OF MMA STYLE ............................................................................. 49 MMA Attitude ............................................................................................................................. 50 MMA Narratives ......................................................................................................................... 56 v Place Based Myths Narratives and Collective Memories ................................................................. 56 Portrayals of MMA Style ............................................................................................................. 59 CHAPTER 6 LIVE MMA EVENTS ................................................................................................. 68 Sentiment and Meanings of and for Place ...................................................................................... 68 The Social World of a Live MMA Event ....................................................................................... 69 Fight Time at The Live Event ....................................................................................................... 75 Rank, Status and Social Order in MMA ......................................................................................... 83 Urban Community and Civic Culture ............................................................................................ 85 Bars and Taverns ......................................................................................................................... 85 CHAPTER 7 CONCLUSION