Here's one way to look at it.

Let's say someone is into snake handling. His "hobby" involves the risk of being bitten by a poisonous snake and possibly incurring serious injury or even death. That's fine for an adult. His kid might see it and say "Daddy - that looks fun! Can I do it?". I don't think many people would argue that it would be a poor parent that would say "Sure! You might be small and uncoordinated and sustain serious injury or lose an eye, but if you think it looks fun - SURE!"

That's not any different than letting your kid participate in MMA is it? I mean there's a chance he'll never sustain serious injury. But there's a real good chance he will too. One wrong throw and he lands on his neck. One thumb to the eye and he could have permanent eye damage. One misguided hit and he could have serious throat damage.

Agreed - injuries can happen in other contact sports. But the amount of physical abuse that is purposely encouraged and taught in MMA should be left for those mature enough to understand the danger of what they are doing and the possible long term effects.

My two cents.