[jaydub]

Dean,

You missed several of the most significant reasons:

1. MMA fights are far shorter and generally feature more action (lay and pray notwithstanding).
2. MMA fights are far more likely to end quickly, unexpectedly, and brutally.
3. MMA fights are perceived as more "real".

For the young male audience, those are critical.

I can probably name a couple dozen active fighters but to your point, years ago I could have named more.

J