Assign. 2-1

A popular culture event that has caught my attention would be the Ultimate Fighting Championships or UFC for short.  Cage fighting has been around for some time now, but only within the last decade or so has it really caught fire. The UFC is one of many fighting leagues around the world, but it has emerged as a leader in fighter’s skill and fan base. The UFC travels the world and fights in large venues that always sell out, and also are available to watch on pay-per view television for around $55 an event. The UFC has merchandise such as clothes, work out gear, and television shows to help fill the gap between the matchups. There are a number of websites dedicated to the mixed martial arts and fighters themselves that people can visit and read about. Some fighters themselves have a following, much like popular sports athletes have a following also. My favorite fighter is Anderson “the Spider” Silva, he is a current champion in his weight class and his skill set is nearly unmatchable in any weight class throughout the sport. Silva and the main card fighters make an incredible amount of money, although their contracts aren’t as lucrative as major traditional sport athletes, they are still clearing six figures. Every event has its peak, in my personal opinion I believe the UFC has hit or is close to hitting it’s pinnacle, just like boxing crashed in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s the UFC will struggle to stay as popular as it is now. Cage fighting has come under criticism for its violent fights and so called message certain people think it gives, what most people don’t realize is the these fighters are among the most trained and disciplined athletes in their field in the world. Most are experts in the style of fighting that they have chosen, whether it is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or Muay Thai kickboxing and everything in between, these fighters have dedicated their lives to the art of fighting.  For a lot of people in the sport and who are interested in the UFC, it is a life style, the sport has a way of drawing you in and before you know it you’re wearing the clothes and training with the same supplements and tactics as the fighters themselves.  Its funny how many “cage fighters”, came out of the wood work since the UFC has became popular, makes one laugh to see all the tough guys walking around in shirts that they could barely fit into in the 8^th grade. In my opinion the UFC is very exciting to follow and watch and will develop some of the greatest fighters the world has ever seen.