MMA Worldwide (2010)

Mixed martial arts is a young sport where things continue to happen that signify change. But it is the only professional sport where fans can really connect with the fighters, often times having a beer with them after the fights if they happen to be at the same bar. The humbling experience that got many of these fighters to where they are today is the same reason they stop and take pictures, sign autographs and don’t leave fans waiting. Fighters like Chuck Liddell, BJ Penn, Quinton Jackson and Gina Carano are far more than just household names; they are superstars that people follow religiously through guest appearances, movies, TV shows, videogames and mass merchandising. And though the UFC is often-times the only promotion synonymous with MMA in the hearts of new fans, it’s important to recognize the grassroots movement, the regional promoters like Sven Bean, Monte Cox and Terry Trebilcock and the MMA media (on and off the Internet) that has worked so tirelessly to keep fans connected. There are local MMA events to be found in almost every state and the local fighters who make $1,000 could be the world champions making over a million in a few years. The evolution of MMA as a sport was a fight in itself. Now it is up to you to carry on that torch by educating people on why mixed martial arts is the greatest sport of a new generation.