Dorothy Willis, a reporter for the Bleacher Report suggests that sports such as MMA, “can have either a very positive or a negative impact on the outcome of young people who are under its influence.” Viewers, especially teenagers, are attracted to the beating and blood of the UFC because of the reputed fame and notoriety associated with fighting. A lot of these teens post fight videos showing off their own skills in an attempt to achieve the status of the professionals featured on Sportscenter top 10 lists. But is this safe?

On August 8, 2014, a well-known UFC fighter, Jonathan Koppenhaver, broke into his ex-girlfriend’s house in a jealous rage. Jonathan, better known by his fighter’s name, “War Machine” attacked Corwy Thomas, the new boyfriend with punches and chokes, just like he was trained to do in the UFC ring. Corwy sustained a broken nose, dislocated shoulder, scrapes, bruises and bite marks.

War Machine then turned his fury towards Tracey Mack, his ex. This brutal beating left Mack with a punctured lung, broken teeth, a fractured rib, and a severely battered face. Koppenhaver received a 36 sentence for his violent acts and has become one of the most well-known cases of athletes turned violent criminals.

The media coverage of this case and the graphic imagery associated with the beating was undeniable. This was not just sports news, the beating, the arrest, the court case, and the background of War Machine’s violent history in San Diego became front page news everywhere. It turned him into a super-villain. Similarly, the violent acts of big-name fighters like Conner McGregor and Jon Jones, have elevated their status socially turning them into idols for teenage fans.

What the media doesn’t seem to promote as aggressively are MMA fighters like Rad Martinez. Martinez was featured on ESPN’s Outside the Lines and an example of a positive role model in the sport. Inside the ring he is as violent as any other fighter but outside the ring he cares for his paraplegic father. He is an example of the discipline and responsibility true combat sport professionals should have. He doesn’t abuse steroids, drugs, or alcohol and is able to make clear-minded responsible decisions. But does anyone know his name, seen one of his fights?

Violent sports do lead to violent people because it is glamorize by the media, not simply because it’s violent. Using fighting skills to hurt others is headline news because it’s shocking. If you are a teen who enjoys the physical test of more aggressive sports then remember, it’s a sport, it’s nothing personal. Get famous for what you do in the ring, not for chasing headlines.