Let's get one thing clear, right off the bat.

See that picture?

That is the only reason why a 47-year-old with zero amateur or professional experience in Mixed Martial Arts is being given an opportunity to compete with Strikeforce.

Herschel Walker is without question an incredible athlete, an extremely unique story, and, by all accounts, a tremendous human being.

Additionally, Walker is a six-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, is in peak physical condition to this day, and has maintained the freakish workout program that made him such a specimen in his football days through to this foray into Mixed Martial Arts.

After a recent stress test on his heart, the doctor conducting the procedure proclaimed Walker was "47 going on 22," as his results were highest of anyone the facility has ever tested.

Today, Walker is making a number of appearances on ESPN today, including First Take and Scott Van Pelt's radio show.

Without question, the sport of Mixed Martial Arts is being discussed more in the mainstream media right now thanks to the impending debut of Herschel Walker, but is that a good thing?

My answer is no.

If the current media attention were a sitcom, Herschel Walker's name is in the title, while Mixed Martial Arts is simply playing a two or three story guest starring role.

Having the sport discussed in the mainstream always has positive elements, and this instance is no different.

There are sure to be some fans drawn to the sport by the participation of a legendary figure like Walker, and the discussion of Strikeforce's upcoming event in Miami on ESPN will undoubtedly pique the interest of some with no television plans for Saturday, January 30 and a subscription to Showtime.

That said, it seems like the only time MMA becomes a topic of interest is when something historic happens (UFC 100), someone does something stupid at something historic (Brock Lesnar... thanks so much!), or a person whose name is already established decides to try their hand at this Mixed Martial Arts stuff all the kids are talking about.

If this were actually about Mixed Martial Arts as a whole, we wouldn't have to get excited about the sport being discussed through Herschel Walker. Current stars like Randy Couture, Georges St-Pierre and countless others would be routine guests, with the sport getting attention simply for being exactly what it is - the fastest growing sport in the world.

While those who champion the current media blitz as another victory for the sport in the never-ending battle for mainstream attention and acceptance, victories only come after the battle, and Walker hasn't even stepped inside the cage yet.

One of the risks of having new eyes on the sport through Herschel Walker is the fact that he's never competed in Mixed Martial Arts before in his life.

I have as much MMA experience as Herschel Walker. We're both 0-0... and I don't see Strikeforce rushing to get me in the cage.

If Walker happens to get defeated by his hand-picked opponent Greg Nagy (1-1), what then? Countless eyes that wouldn't have been paying attention in the first place just witnessed what had been the biggest story in the sport - in their questionable opinions - get beaten by a guy who doesn't even qualify as a journeyman.

Now, by no means do I believe Herschel Walker is going to loss this fight. Strikeforce is way too smart to put...