MMA's Rising Popularity: Is a Plateau on the Horizon?

(Photo by Joe Corrigan/Getty Images)

There is no doubt that mixed martial arts is one of, if not the fastest growing sport in the world today.

However, like all good things, it will eventually come to an end...or will it?

The UFC, the biggest MMA organization in the world, and questionably the best, is in the midst of a meteoric rise in the business, and have captured the hearts of many fans out there already.

Other organizations such as DREAM and Affliction have also increased the viewership amongst modern day guys and gals ages 16-35.

The question remains, will it ever halt?

History says yes. History also says that there will be more wars, more disease, and more prosperous times, as well as hardships. What history does not tell, is how long this new hybrid of MMA will last.

I myself am not a cleric, nor a fortune teller. I do think, however, that mixed martial arts should be appreciated now more than ever, and that it has a very good time left at the pinnacle of it's sporting takeover.

I also believe it is up to us, the fans, to keep MMA going as strong as it is.

A few weeks ago, I heard someone say that there isn't a prominent MMA magazine company out there, and that is something that needs to be explored in the upcoming years. I agree to a certain extent, as there's no "go-to" magazine for all your MMA needs like ESPN the magazine, or Sporting News, or anything like that.

There also is dispute amongst the fans about one organization's dominance over others. Let us be truthful with one another; MMA is a sport, and it has it's fans. You hear baseball fans talk all the time about which league is more dominant, or football fans about the better divisions, and even hockey fans say which team or conference is the best. MMA fans can do the same, but remember fans, we're all on the same team.

We all support the sport, and we all love a great fight. Our "shot heard around the world" is Forrest Griffin vs Stephan Bonnar. Our Super Bowl could be Aoki vs Penn or Fedor vs Lesnar. For our World Series, we match up Mousasi vs Silva (take your pick of which one). And our Pete Rose scandal comes in the form of Kimbo against Petruzelli.

The fact is, the sport is still on the rise, and no matter where or when it ends, enjoy it now.

History says MMA will falter eventually. But not now.

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