The sheer violence of MMA and UFC is pretty crazy. It is all fun and games until you get a life altering injury or illness from those massive hits.
True...
I have a harder time watching strongman videos, only because, from the weight training we here are mostly all accustomed to, I have an idea of what pain those guys are going through.
With MMA, I think it's safe to say the pain is worse, but since I don't train in that style, I don't relate to the pain as much, and I'm able to watch it.
I think with MMA, you can get 10 years out of it and leave. Like strongman - and bodybuilding, and powerlifting...and pro wrestling for that matter, and probably a few more - you get in, get your 10 years, and get out. Hanging on too long is what will result in serious injuries or an early death, IMO.