The women's MMA community weighs in on transgender competitors

On a personal level, I have zero issues with transgender people, but I do feel transgender female fighters may have unfair advantages over those who were born female. Attributes like bone density, spacial awareness and possible residual male muscle mass.I also disagree with the lack of disclosure on the issue.  Opponents should have a choice as to whether or not they want to take the fight.  In the future, with full disclosure, maybe transgender female fighters can be licensed, but their opponent must be fully informed in order to allow them to make the best decision.I'm not sure what I think because I don't know the science about the hormones of a transgender.  I wouldn't like to speak on behalf of what I know nothing about. It would seem like a guy trying to fight in a woman's division, but without knowing the whole story, I couldn't tell you what I really think.  All I can say is any woman who would take a fight with a transgender is very brave.Fallon Fox rocked the MMA world this week when she came out as a transgendered female.  Opinions have been pouring in on whether or not she should be allowed to compete.View the list »
Fallon Fox wants to continue competing as a transgendered woman

Fight Sports newsletter

Related topics

Advertisement

ProMMAInsider.com spoke with multiple female MMA competitors on Thursday to get their thoughts about transgendered women competing in their sport.

As news of Fallon Fox, a transgendered woman competing in MMA, spread like wild fire throughout the internet and all forms of media this week, people were quick to give their opinions on it. Those opinions varied from outright hatred to understanding and acceptance. While some think she has no place competing alongside women, others point to science that they claim indicates her former status as a male gives her no unfair advantage now.

Fallon Fox herself has given her reasons why she should be able to compete, but what about the ladies she wants to compete against? What are their thoughts on the situation? Are they comfortable facing a fighter that was previously a man? Do they feel that Fallon Fox has an unfair advantage?

Several ladies in MMA were kind enough to give their thoughts on the situation. The sampling of opinions came from amateur fighters all the way up to title contenders. Their responses were as diverse as their skill levels. Here is what they had to say about transgendered women being able to compete.

View the list
  • Fallon Fox rocked the MMA world this week when she came out as a transgendered female.  Opinions have been pouring in on whether or not she should be allowed to compete.
  • I'm not sure what I think because I don't know the science about the hormones of a transgender.  I wouldn't like to speak on behalf of what I know nothing about. It would seem like a guy trying to fight in a woman's division, but without knowing the whole story, I couldn't tell you what I really think.  All I can say is any woman who would take a fight with a transgender is very brave.
  • On a personal level, I have zero issues with transgender people, but I do feel transgender female fighters may have unfair advantages over those who were born female. Attributes like bone density, spacial awareness and possible residual male muscle mass.I also disagree with the lack of disclosure on the issue.  Opponents should have a choice as to whether or not they want to take the fight.  In the future, with full disclosure, maybe transgender female fighters can be licensed, but their opponent must be fully informed in order to allow them to make the best decision.
  • Structurally, men are built differently from women.  [I have] No problem with people wanting to switch genders, but physically she is still a he, minus the special part.
  • Honestly, I'm still forming an opinion about this.  After reading up on transgender operations and post-operative follow-up, and also watching and reading videos and articles from Fallon Fox herself, I feel like even though hormonally there may not still be an advantage, but physically there is the issue of the anatomical and physiological developments that she had developed prior to her decision to switch her gender.This physiology, (namely the way that the bones attach themselves in the skeletal make-up of a man vs. a woman) may give her an unfair advantage in an MMA fight against a naturally born woman. However, I do have to wonder if Fallon Fox were losing to the women she fought versus dominating them, if this would still be such an issue.
  • Judging it at "good or bad," it's happening.  So we have to embrace it with pure curiosity and do a little research.  The way I see it, if I were to fight a transgender, it would influence me to train smarter, not harder, and to maintain an open mind on the offense, defense, and anything in-between.  But mostly, I'm gonna do my thing, no matter who they put in front of me.
  • Felice Herrig kept her opinion on the matter short and to the point when asked.If you were born a man, then you should fight as a man.  Period.
  • The way I see it, Fallon Fox to me is a beginning of a good thing.  She's giving hope to male transgenders and vice versa with the same desires to participate.  But the ways she's gone about starting in the sport isn't something I agree with.  NOT RIGHT in so many senses.I suggest that equal opportunity is presented to transgenders in having their own bouts.  Equality, so to speak, and a win/win for all.  For her to compete against females in MMA, even if she's taking female hormones, it's still not common sense,  nor does it make it right.  No. I  don't agree.
  • I don't have anything against transgendered women, but I do feel like the strength between a man and a woman is very different.  That being said, it really depends on how long she has been taking estrogen.  Bottom line, in my opinion, is it would be up to her opponent.
  • I don't think that it is right because no matter the sex change, it is still a man and has a far greater advantage. But if an opponent agrees to fight, then it is ok.  I don't think a lot of women would if they knew.
  • I read the article and it's a talk about transsexual, not transgender.  In that case, I think with the qualifications being met, they should be treated equal as they are seen as a person everyday, and allowed to fight.
  • Jessica Eye was another who kept it pithy. I really don't agree with it, considering the hormonal differences that we have.  You also can't lie on your app.
  • I think it's fine as long as there is full disclosure and the woman is physically identifiable as a female and within the correct hormone levels. The agreement should be between the two competing women and their camps.I myself would agree to a fight with a transgendered female, but I also understand why the majority of other women feel that there would be an unfair advantage for the transgendered.
View the list
Suggested by the author:

, Las Vegas MMA Examiner

Jody Kohn is the owner, along with Jeff Mayweather, of ProBoxingInsider.com as well as ProMMAInsider.com. He has lived in Las Vegas for five years during which time he has become immersed in the fighting community. With vast connections in the world of mixed martial arts, his articles provide...

Advertisement

Today's top buzz...