opinions??

[bushido_man96]

Competitions aren't supposed to mimic self-defense scenarios. They are competition, and the goal is for there to be a clear winner.

Self-defense is different. Self-defense can include running away. So, where in SD, a 110 lb woman can defend and then run from a 160 lb man, that option isn't available in the ring. If a 110 lb man ad 110 lb woman fight it out in the ring, it would be probably be very unpleasant to watch.

[Wastelander]

As I understand it, Fallon Fox has been on hormone replacement therapy for over 10 years. That is a long time to be on female hormones and blockers for male hormones, and it will have a significant effect on the body. I remember seeing a progression video of a young transgender who underwent a change from male to female, and the difference in just a few years was astounding.

There are a few things, such as greater lung capacity, that may linger after such hormone therapy, but I doubt that the muscles are getting enough male hormones for that to be a factor. As long as she continues her hormone therapy as prescribed I have no problem with her competing with women, but if she tests too high for male hormones she should be punished just like any other female fighter would be. The Olympic committee already has rules in place for transgender athletes that would be applied in boxing, wrestling, judo and taekwondo, so I see no reason they can't be carried over into MMA.

I completely understand where sensei8 is coming from with women and men of all sizes being able to defend against anyone, but I see combat sports as a totally different thing. When you choose to be locked inside a cage or a ring with another, similarly trained fighter, it is meant to be a sporting contest and there should be some sort of level playing field for such a thing.

[Lupin1]

As long as she continues her hormone therapy as prescribed I have no problem with her competing with women, but if she tests too high for male hormones she should be punished just like any other female fighter would be.

What about women who either due to the way their bodies are naturally or do to certain syndromes have a higher than normal testosterone level?

[DWx]

I saw this story a couple of days ago apart from the picture someone had posted was her with one of her previous opponents. I was just skimming articles and one first glance I could have sworn, without knowing anything about Fox apart from the fact she was transgender, that her opponent was Fox based on size and muscle.

Take a look at the photo she posted on her Facebook and tell me that she has a size/muscle advantage.

Photo 1

Photo 2