I prefer rings to cages because the cage obstructs my view hehe
The cage itself adds a different element to fighting and the way the fight progresses for example if a fighter was up against the cage in UF, that fighter would have different options on how to fight if they were against the ropes... the could even escape over the ropes.
Having never fought inside a cage i can't tell you what it's like but Simon Dore, the heavyweight champ I train with, has fought cage Kickboxing rules and asys that it's very different when you are in a cage as opposed to a ring he hated it because he felt more confined. I guess there's a psychological thing from a fighters pov

As far as a cage looking like "Human Cockfighting" well in a way yes, the cage adds to an element of brutality and primal rage and it was marketed as such in the early days... u know no holds barred anything goes combat?
I come from a TM background and although i like UFC and MMA, i can see how it gets frowned upon

Well said Muay Thai Guy.

Oh, speaking of cage, I think they're showing the latest KOTC on Direct TV this week are they not?

I have to disagree with everyone. I really believe that for mma to grow, they need to make their own persona. They cant feed off of what boxing has done and the ring. Dont get me wrong I love Pride, but as far as mma is concerned I really think that most people think of it as being done in a cage and people recognize that.