UFC Champion on the cover of ESPN the magazine...Check
Cover story for SI...Check
Over 8 hours a week of MMA coverage between the International Fight League and UFC...Check
Weigh-ins are live on ESPN for UFC 71...Check
ESPN is using Sherdog.com for it MMA coverage...Check

Mixed Martial Arts has made HUGE progress in the last 5 years of breaking into the mainstream. The sports media can no longer ignore the hard work and sacrifice these athletes put in. They will no longer be seen as bar brawlers with no skill. Mixed Martial Art is going to be the standard that will decide who the best fighter in the world is measured. Boxing isn't gone, but it is close.

The IFL is developing into a legitimate league. Fighters like Rory Markham, Ben Rothwell, Chris Horodecki and Jay Hieron are becoming powerhouse fighters that leave fans standing and screaming. Former UFC fighters are jumping over to the IFL. Fighters like Gideon Ray, who is THRILLED with the way the IFL takes care of fighters, are making big impacts in the league. He finished his first fight with a first round TKO. The team concept adds drama to an already thrilling sport. I am really looking forward to see how the league continues to grow. I just hope we keep seeing improvement in our home town Red Bears!

The UFC has just recently purchased Pride fighting Championship. While the deal isn't closed yet, it opens up some dream match ups. Finally a Wanderlei Silva can fight a Chuck Liddell...or maybe a Dan Henderson vs. Chuck Liddell, Rich Franklin, Anderson Silva. Dan could very well be the best at 205lbs and 185lbs since he has both belts in Pride. The hardcore fan has heard Tim Sylvia talk about, no wait, begging to fight Fedor. Well Tim just got his butt kicked by a 43 year old man. Granted that man is Captain America knows as Randy Couture, but I hope we get to see Tim get his wish. Give him the Fedors, CroCops, and all the other Pride Heavy Weights he wants.

The sport is at an exciting time right now, and it doesn't seem to be slowing down. Just like a Horodecki high kick, don't blink...you could miss something.