I saw that guy you interviewed.”

My mind immediately went into overdrive, trying to figure out whom in the world my mom was talking about.

“He was on Dr. Phil the other day.”

“That doesn’t exactly narrow it down,” I said, with a chuckle.

“You know. The guy with the shaved head. The MMA guy.”

I knew then, without a doubt, despite the number of shaved heads in MMA, that she was talking about UFC president Dana White.

“Oh, you mean Dana?”

“Yes, him!”

“What was he doing on Dr. Phil?”

“He was talking about the skill level of his fighters and explaining that they are professional athletes who are highly trained in the sport.”

“Well, I’m impressed. It’s good to see the sport get that daytime TV exposure.” 

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SHORT HISTORY, LONG STRIDES

To be sure, it is nice to hear about that type of exposure … and then I thought about it a little bit more … and got a little agitated.

I thought, “It’s 2009. White still has to defend the sport?”

While heading home from work one night soon after that conversation, I thought about the whole thing in more detail and realized there’s no need to be frustrated.

When guys like Dana White and Marc Ratner of the UFC, Tom Atencio of Affliction and Scott Coker of Strikeforce explain what the sport is all about to those who don’t know, this is a good thing.

That type of exposure is [apparently] exactly what the sport needs, and the more opportunities officials such as White get to explain the sport, the better.

Sure, as evidenced by White’s need to defend the sport there are still some obstacles to overcome, but just think about how far MMA has come in its short history.

• The UFC is regulated in 37 of the 44 states with athletic commissions.

• The UFC produces more than 12 pay-per-view events annually.

• The UFC’s reality show, “The Ultimate Fighter,” is on SPIKE TV, and the two parties recently agreed on a contract extension for Seasons 9-12. The ratings of which are huge in the male 18- 34-year-old demographic.

• The contract with SPIKE also includes numerous other MMA programming, including “UFC Fight Nights” and “Unleashed.”

• The WEC is shown live on VERSUS.

• Affliction and Strikeforce, two other major MMA organizations, continue to pull in great attendance at major venues such as The Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

• In Montreal, more than 21,000 people attended a recent UFC.

• The UFC has traveled to Ireland, England, Japan and Brazil and it has its eyes set on other countries, as well.

• MMA has also joined the world of collectible cards. In fact at a recent media day for “The Ultimate Fighter,” Topps was shooting the fighters for its next set of cards.

• The value of some of the autographed MMA cards has exceeded $100.

• Companies are manufacturing MMA action figures.

• The sport has also spawned a worldwide lifestyle, as more and more companies are manufacturing MMA attire for men, women and children.

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A THRIVING SPORT

There is no doubt progress is occurring, and there is no doubt the sport is thriving, as it appeals to all segments of the population … men, women and even youngsters, who are joining MMA academies right and left, aspiring to be the next Chuck Liddells or George St-Pierres.

While the sport is making good, positive strides, it’s not home yet. As the American poet Robert Frost once said, “And miles to go before I sleep.” And I’m OK with that.

Until next time.