Fighting, Inc.

Posted by Marvin Smith

Sun Jan 21, 2007 12:53 am

Business Nation

It's one of the fastest growing sports in the United States. In its beginnings in the 1990s, MMA was thought of as barbaric, human cockfighting, and was vilified by both the press and politicians. Today, due to increased safety regulations and sanctioning, it's becoming big business - thanks to the branding and popularity of it's flagship - Ultimate Fighting Championship, and it's no-holds-barred leader, Dana White. CNBC's Scott Wapner reports on a business that, in six years, has gone from the brink of extinction to a business that's turning a healthy profit.

STORY VIDEO CLIP 1: [wmv] The UFC has come a long way since its inception - in size and stature. Legend Randy Couture talks about his first trip to the octagon.

STORY VIDEO CLIP 2: [wmv] Dana White may not look like your typical high-powered executive, but he's help build the UFC into the sport's top brand. And he's not afraid to do battle - both, inside and outside the boardroom.

STORY VIDEO CLIP 3: [wmv] Three-time champion Rich Franklin takes us back to his days - where his audience wasn't screaming fans, but high school students.

Checkout CNBC's website for more on the story. http://www.cnbc.com/id/16586545