In the wake of UFC 100, we're witnessing a continuation of mainstream media coverage like we've never seen before.  The post-fight behavior of Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar has ignited a firestorm of debate on television and radio shows that have never before given MMA more than a brief mention.  In the future, 2009 could possibly be looked upon as the turning point which catapulted mixed martial arts into the mainstream.  The question is -- will the mainstream media allow it?

Now that Lesnar has the attention of mainstream writers and reporters, part of the conversation has been speculation on what's next for him.  The vast majority of those media members are hearing the name Fedor Emelianenko for the first time.  Fedor happens to be fighting at Affliction: "Trilogy" on August 1.  New fans and the media are asking -- who is this Emelianenko guy?  Is he really good enough to beat Lesnar? 

Many of those people are likely to tune in to have a look at the man who is supposed to be the guy who can slay the beast.  One week later the UFC breaks into yet another major market with its first ever event in Philadelphia.  The following day is a very nice WEC card that can be seen for free on Versus.  Just six days after that, is another free event (on the premium channel "Showtime") with the well-known and extremely marketable Gina Carano serving as headliner.  With a list of events of this stature, the question becomes -- will the mainstream media have any choice but to allow it?

Until recent years the closest thing to coverage that NASCAR received was a brief joke about "a bunch of guys making left turns".  As the sport's popularity continued to explode, ESPN not only started to cover it, but they've actually partnered up with NASCAR to broadcast races. 

The upcoming line up that the UFC, and MMA in general, are set to put out may just put the sport in a similar position.  As this significant season continues and the sport continues to evolve, we'll find out if this is the summer of MMA or if it still has some ground to cover before mainstream media will allow us into their exclusive club.