I love it when people say “Wow the MFC sure has gotten big.”

It’s a pride thing and a labor of love that has paid off. Back when the MFC first was launched, I was assigned to taking photos at ringside – back then the mainstream media which I was a part of was basically banned by the bosses of newspapers and TV stations from covering the events. Slowly but surely my role expanded with the MFC from writing this column to handling media relations duties to the role that I have now.

What I appreciate the most about the MFC now is that it is so big.

It was an easy thing to watch grow – the biggest show in Edmonton, then the biggest show in Western Canada, then the biggest show in Canada into now one of the top shows in North America. It’s very interesting and flattering I believe for everyone associated with the MFC to hear from the fans, sponsors and media how the show has risen in the last two years, especially with the exposure of being broadcast on HDNet Fights.

But at the same time some things do get left behind when you get bigger. As the MFC has grown, the magnitude of the talent involved on the shows has increased exponentially. Look at the number of “name” fighters who now appear on MFC shows compared to what I would consider to be the infancy and teenage years of the organization.

Sure at times in the past there were one-off appearances by guys like Dan Severn but those types of cards have been replaced by the ones now where it’s a battle to see which fighters unfortunately won’t be on televised portion of the show – and trust me, there are some outstanding fighters who have yet to appear on TV just because the talent that is getting on the air is that much more identifiable.

As the MFC shows have become that much bigger and better there isn’t nearly as much room anymore for developing fighters, guys making their pro debuts, and particularly the home-town sluggers. But that’s what happens when promotions get to the point where the MFC is. You have to find the right balance of respecting the fact of where you’ve come from but also weighing on where you are at and where you want to go. It’s the difference between being a good local show and being a top international show.

Your head has to outweigh your heart and sometimes feelings get hurt but it is a business after all and you are trying to appeal to a global fan base now instead of a regional fan base. I believe the MFC is finding the right balance where the non-televised undercard features the hometown heroes and blossoming stars while the televised cards feature the internationally recognized talents. It seems to be apparent from the feedback from HDNet, the viewers around North America, and the growing legion of MFC fans everywhere that they are tuning in based upon quality of matchups. And clearly with 13 straight sellouts the locally-based ticket buyers are buying the program as well.

WEIGHING IN: I read with intrigue the column of a MMA writer who was off on a tirade about the UFC/WEC’s new backstage pass policy. Comical is the first word that comes to mind. Being part of the team that decides who is allowed backstage at MFC events if a reporter, fighter or for that matter anyone outside of the organization challenged the MFC staff on who should be allowed backstage I think we’d have some pretty harsh words in response – perhaps as vehement as Dana White’s commentary back to the writer in question. Which part of “That’s none of your business” do you not quite get? Ninety-nine per cent of managers don’t need to be backstage – save for the very few who actually work a corner, and if any organization wants to put a tighter clamp on who’s allowed backstage so be it – a policy which the MFC actually put in place early in 2009. The MFC has always allowed more access than most shows particularly to the media who’ve welcomed the access and been respectful about it.

THE GLADIATOR’S RETURN: Now onto a “local” fighter back in the MFC mix. I am excited to see Travis Galbraith return to the fold and he could really make some noise at either light heavyweight or middleweight. What I’ve always like about Travis is his willingness to take on any opponent. He stalked former MFC light heavyweight Victor Valimaki to the point where Valimaki backed out of the fight twice due to injuries that were in many circles thought to be nothing more than ways to duck the challenge.

And while Galbraith hasn’t exactly faced the stiffest foes in the last year, he came right into the MFC and didn’t want a tune-up fight or an easy mark. First up – David Heath. That speaks volumes about his confidence.

KNOCKIN’ ON THE DOOR: With just over a month to go before MFC 21: Hard Knocks hits the ring, not only is David Heath in a “fight of the night” contender with Travis Galbraith, but his Oklahoma running buddy Aron Lofton will be back and looking to make a major statement in the light heavyweight ranks. Originally slated to face former reality show competitor Mike Nickels, Lofton is now due to square-off against a new face in what should be a very rugged throwdown between two pure strikers. That fight should become official within in the next day or two so stay tuned … Also keep an eye out for the official signing of the opponent who will be facing John Alessio at Hard Knocks – the name is likely to surprise many people.

HEAT OF THE MOMENT: I took in Heat XC 2: Fearless the other night and came away suitably impressed by what has become an excellent farm team/feeder system for the MFC. Two fighters were particularly of note. The first was main eventer Paapa Inkumusah who virtually walked through the very tough Jesse Clarke. Paapa looked very strong and there’s no doubt he has a vicious streak when he smells blood as evidenced by his seek-and-destroy finish. I believe, given just a bit more grooming, he could be a big threat in the MFC’s welterweight division. And with the MFC developing its featherweight division, I’m liking the look of fast-paced Diego Wilson who ruggedly finished off Cam Yelits in a wildly exciting bout. There’s no doubt in my mind that Wilson is a future featherweight star in the MFC.