Variety.com reported that Showtime's suscriptions had increased 11% during the fourth quarter of 2007. There seems to be a mixed feeling in some parts of the MMA community as to whether Kimbo Slice's popularity really sparked that much of an increase. I think it's safe to say that it was the exact reason why, after all, I have the crappy channel at home.

I subscribed to Showtime through my cable provider for two reasons. First, it was a special deal in which I got the entire package including the On Demand movies of Showtime for free for one year. Second, EliteXC would hold MMA cards on the channel, and ShoBox was also still being aired on the channel as well, two combative sports that I love to watch. What could go wrong?

Well, here's what went wrong. Most of the boxing fights are terrible. The biggest glaring problem with Showtime is their movie selection as well. It's atrocious and shouldn't be a consideration when trying to decide between it as being your premium channel of choice. Six Showtime channels that contain absolute garbage for movie titles isn't the reason why people are picking up the phone and calling to get Showtime. It's because of the mixed martial arts.

EliteXC may not be the UFC, but they have managed to increase Showtime's worth. They have fighters that don't just fight, they sell their personality, sex appeal, or brute power to the fans. ProElite has cashed in on that concept, and it's a concept that been used for years by wrestling organizations like the WWE. Instead of having a fighter who is ranked high on the Heavyweight rankings or world renowned as one of the best in the world, they have a legendary street brawler who gained fame by using one of the biggest interfaces to the fans he could possibly use... The Internet. EliteXC tapped into Kimbo's small popularity from the Internet to cross over fans to MMA.

As ridiculous as the promotion of Kimbo was at times, it still worked in their favor. ProElite poured out the interviews and promotional material and Kimbo himself was able to get a big following going with his own promotion. All in all, it was a win-win for both parties.

Why are people acting like this was impossible? It wasn't. Kimbo Slice is solely responsible because there is no way in hell that Elizabethtown made more people run for Showtime. Kimbo Slice continues to draw a crowd, get ready for more.