Surely you can see the difference between a game of American football and the goring of an innocent terrified animal via swords.

Good point. I was thinking more of the outcomes, such as unnecessary physical harm in exchange for entertainment.

Yes, as participants have a choice, e.g. they consent to the suffering.

It’s an interesting dilemma because they are consenting, but to what extent are they being influenced by the money compared to their career opportunities outside of the sport?

Many athletes in dangerous sports come from lower class backgrounds where it might be seen as the only ticket out of poverty.

I don’t think it’s enough to convert a pacifist into an MMA fighter, but its certainly not the same equation for kids growing up at different income levels.

So you would consent to gladiator fighting between two consenting humans then?

He has to consent to what others do?