Legend Frank Shamrock on the rise of MMA

Yardbarker met with MMA legend Frank Shamrock to discuss the opportunities and challenges faced by the sport in 2008. Frank reminded us that it's "OK to get your ass kicked," and also that being an MMA fighter requires a "wonderful soul," which may or may not be code for "health insurance."

2008 is a make-or-break year for MMA. For the first time, a prime-time network TV deal is in place. Veteran fighters look to cement legacies, and the next generation of bone-breakers will have the opportunity to earn its stripes in front of unprecedented audiences. Frank will defend his Strikeforce title in a March 29 fight against kickboxer Cung Le.

Today we're heading back down to San Jose to again meet with Frank. Our goal is to get footage that will help newbies to MMA understand its intricacies, and also to film a few hands-on tutorials from Frank on how to more effectively kick ass. Because if it's "OK to get your ass kicked," one can only assume that it's also OK to kick ass, right? Encouraged even?

Keep an eye on Frank's blog for more footage. In the meantime, check out this short interview with The Legend.

- Dewey