The UFC mixed martial arts organization is getting nearer to mainstream American culture

The tough UFC MMA champion Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell is featured with his little son on the cover of ESPN, The Magazine. Liddell has earned a place of honor in the martial arts world as a hard competitor in what is now becoming a cultural phenomenon - the entrance of Mixed martial arts into mainstream American and western media. Liddle is valued both as a tough fighter and an honest, nice guy, the kind of sportsman the UFC chairman, Dana white is trying to promote. It now seems certain, even with some critical opinions that MMA are here as a central feature of our western culture for years to come. For us in AKBAN - trying to bridge the gap between ancient lifestyle and the adrenalin rush of martial arts sports - the job seems more interesting then ever.