[Diegonightmare]

Interesting article and topic.

EXC on UFC's level? No, not yet. There was PRIDE and UFC and everyone else. Now there's only UFC and everyone else.

EXC a real threat for the future? Yes. EXC puts on by far the best non-Zuffa shows this side of Japan; they already have a decent and growing stable of good fighters; and their cards are always interesting and entertaining. The average skill level of their fighters cannot yet compete with the UFC's but I won't say it's impossible for the future.

EXC is considered the only other North American * edit - non-Zuffa "major org" by most MMA fans. That alone is impressive given their short history, to be mentioned in the same breath.

HERO'S / DREAMS will not be big among casual/mainstream fans in the US for a long while. Japanese MMA and culture is so different; they have to get a good PPV deal and then I simply don't see it happening. Of course, hardcore fans already know HERO'S has several great fighters and was one of the biggest winners in the PRIDE debacle.

This competition that EXC will bring to bear on the UFC will be good, for the most part, for MMA fans. It will only help the sport grow, which means more incredible fighters for us to watch in the coming years.

I don't see EXC putting any real pressure on the UFC any time in 2008, but again, I won't say it will never happen.

Also, any time that you as the #2 player in any market can force the #1 player to acknowledge you and react to you, that is a good thing.