EliteXC's success in the ratings in their inaugural event may have sent a shockwave through the offices of many of the major networks. Sam Caplan posted some interesting hints at the possibility of NBC showing some live Strikeforce events in the future as well as becoming an pay-per-view partner with the MMA promotion. Interestingly enough, this was all structured into the contract before this weekend:

According to sources, NBC has explored the idea of moving Strikeforce to a weekend afternoon timeslot and is considering a quarterly live special. It’s also included in their contract with Strikeforce that they can become a pay-per-view partner with the promotion. All of this was before EliteXC pulled a 3.0. You do the math.

Of course, we shouldn't read into this too much. Every MMA promotion that will likely get a network deal will have these clauses built into their contracts. A network wouldn't want to let a good thing go and working those types of clauses into the contract allows a promotion like Strikeforce to have those connections down the road if they are successful.

With a late night timeslot, Strikeforce has put up some surprising ratings. It's 5/25 ratings hit a 0.5 (534,000 viewers). It may not seem impressive to some fans, but the time slot in my region is around 2:30-3:30 at night. That's a significant amount of fans watching the event so late.

If NBC can take those figures along with what CBS did this past weekend, it's possible we may see the beginnings of an explosion for MMA on network television. It'll bring in more fans, more sponsors, and more money for the fighters. It's a win-win for the network and Strikeforce, but is it a win-win for the fans?

Hardcores may find it horrible that we'll have to deal with the constant barrage of casual fans claiming Kimbo is the greatest or Frank Shamrock would kill any UFC fighter.  The fact of the matter is that the surge of MMA content on television will hopefully bring an era of a massive fanbase that is becoming more and more educated as it moves on.

Everyone and their brother is an expert on the Chicago Cubs here in Illinois, but that's because baseball fans happen to immerse themselves in the sport that they love. Hopefully we'll see that happen with MMA as we move on. With Affliction now throwing more money around and a great card, Adrenaline possibly making waves, and the possibility of the UFC and Strikeforce hitting network debuts, let's welcome to the new fans and educate them.