As much as I dislike the UFC and it's restrictions it gives it's fighters, they truly are the biggest MMA promotion in the world right now. But which among it's competitors have a legitimate shot at competing with the UFC for the long-term?

Amongst all the OTHER MMA promotions out there, only 3 have a chance IMO;

EliteXC: Thanks to their TV deal with CBS, they became the 1st MMA promotion to broadcast fights on National Television. With their acquisitions of smaller promotions King of the Cage, ICON Sport and Cage Rage, their roster of fighters continue to grow. Their cable tv deal with SHOWTIME cable doesn't hurt, either. Not to mention, Ms. Gina Carano, they wish to showcase Women's MMA. However, in spending all that money, their 2nd TV broadcast being a ratings dud and being almost $50million in the red, they're hoping to put on their first PPV event in early '09, which is the true cornerstone of success for any promotion.

DREAM: The partnership of K-1 and the former employees of Pride Fighting Championships have proven to be a success for this upstart Japanese promotion that looks to pick up where PRIDE left off. No other promotion in the world can sell-out an arena with over 60,000 fans right now. But just like PRIDE in it's early days, they're hesitant to test the U.S. market as they have only put on shows in Japan only. Expect a year or two to go by until they cross the ocean to put on a show in the States. But with a deal to broadcast cards on HDNet, it may help boost U.S. interest in the fledging Japanese promotion. That is if you don't have HD TV. :(

Affliction: Those "T-Shirt Guys" whom Dana White refers to proved that they might have what it takes to compete after their 1st PPV was considered by majority a success. Apparentley, the UFC felt so threatened by Affliction's 1st show that they felt the need to broadcast a UFC Fight Night on Spike(for free) the same evening, headlined by Anderson Silva's stepping up to 205lb. Affliction may have the best roster of Heavyweights of all promotions, not to mention a certain Russian by the name of Fedor Emelianenko(2 fights left on his contract). With their willingness to co-promote with other promotions, the backing of WAMMA(World Aliance of Mixed Martial-Arts) and having an equity partner in Donald Trump, possibilities are endless. However, Affliction's initial plan was to run 3 shows and see where to go from there. Their upcoming PPV in October will see if they can continue to put on more shows.

Discuss, kids.

affliction, all others will fold, i mean think about it elite xc 50mill in the hole right now, and ken shamrock VS kimbo, thats the best they can get? wow there not even gonna put cyborg VS Gina corona.

DREAM, hate to say it but there fighters are all gone, its the same as pride minus prides top fighters, its only big over there now because thats all they have to watch and thers like 200billion ppl there. it will fold or get bought out by pride

the only other org i think will work is WEC because its a ufc feeder org and they allow it, very good fighters tho. look for anything tapout sponsers to do good.

Holy crap would I love to spar with Gina!

**** she would whoop some ass lol