MMA: Are UFC Fighters Destined to Become Modern-Day Superheroes?

No one can doubt the strength and the unparalleled growth of the UFC brand. However, if there is one thing that has lagged behind the growth of the organization, it has been the growth of mainstream recognition for the UFC superstars.

Of all the "famous" UFC fighters only two—Chuck Liddell and Georges St-Pierre (or three if you count Jon Jones and his appearance in a Bud Light commercial)—have achieved mainstream popularity and even they aren't truly household names.

Fortunately, it's very possible that the popularity of the fighters themselves will soon catch up so much so that they may even become modern-day superheroes.

Absurd? Maybe at first. But when a lot of thought is given to the subject, it begins to make sense.

In a literal sense, fighters are more capable to protect themselves and others from criminals. For example, Jon Jones apprehended a thief only hours before his title fight and former UFC competitor Antoni Hardonk managed to foil an armed robbery in Los Angeles.

However, anecdotes like these, while amusing and good for the sport, are not at the heart of the issue; something more is meant by "modern-day superhero" (no one would be foolish enough to suggest that MMA fighters would become the world's new crime-stopping force).

What it means is that MMA fighters, specifically those in the UFC, due to the promotion's popularity, will become something more than just athletes—they will become role models to children (and even some adults) everywhere; heroes in every sense of the word.

Think about it, throughout the late 1930s up until the 1970s the comic book was king; kids were inspired by the deeds of their favorite heroes. This legacy was usurped by the outlandish, amazing characters and storylines from professional wrestling. What kid didn't love Hulk Hogan? Who else could've gotten children to "take their vitamins" and "say their prayers?"

Now that the WWE and professional wrestling as a whole is waning in popularity (the emergence of the PG era notwithstanding), the role comic book heroes once had is set to shift to a new group once more.

That group is none other than UFC fighters.

Again, this is a moment where the skeptic rolls their eyes and goes, "Ridiculous!"

But it isn't so!

What about the man who stopped a killer in the New York City subway and the nine-year-old who choked out a pit bull? Surely these heroic feats were inspired by MMA!

UFC fighters will become cultural icons that are looked up to by many in the world for their skill, bravery and determination, much like superheroes were back in the day. Jon Jones—who will likely become the first of the true UFC mega-icons—will only be the first of many.