A grass roots MMA fight promoter, Jason Appleton founded MMA Big Show in November of 2006. Over the past three years the Big Show has grown considerably. Early next year there are plans in the works to bring the MMA Big Show events to pay-per-view to reach a global audience of MMA fans who are hungry for more action in the sport.

Recently, we got the opportunity to ask Jason Appleton a few questions about MMA Big Show.

MMA Fight Shop: With more attention being brought to your organization and its rapid growth as of late, one might wonder if MMA Big Show may be growing out of its home at the Belterra Casino in Indiana. Are there any plans in the foreseeable future to take the show on the road?

Jason Appleton: I'd like to think it's a good possibility but it boils down to getting the proper television exposure and the sponsors that would go with it to ensure a quality show. Taking the Big Show on the road would mean more costs and in markets without a solid television presence it would be pointless. So once our television reach has begun to expand as will our live events.

MMAFS: Pay-per View agreements aside, how do you feel about Mixed Martial Arts on prime-time television? Although seen as a huge step for the sport, the CBS/Elixe XC deal didn't pan out quite as well as many of us hoped. If and when MMA gets another shot at prime-time, how do you think it could be played differently to be more successful?

JA: I think it's great for the promotion that has the deal. In this sport it's about building exposure and expectations of the individual fighters. The more people that are exposed to a promotions fighters the more fans will go to events etc. Ultimately, the more QUALITY MMA events we can get on television the better but just throwing any ole MMA show onto television isn't going to cut it.

MMAFS: On the October 24th MMA Big Show Full Force card there is a scheduled bout between Jan Finney and Marissa Caldwell. Your organization is among the few that have embraced women in mixed martial arts. UFC president Dana White has gone on record in the past saying that there isn't enough fan interest or competition in womens MMA to warrant such fights. Your thoughts?

JA: They train just as hard if not harder than men and are just as capable. Women have a natural tolerance for pain and they are determined and ambitious. I partially understand the UFC's stance on female fighting. They built the sport with men, they want to keep it that way. Though I certainly dont think throwing a female bout on a card every now and again would hurt. But doing so would mean they would have to make an investment in a female division roster and they are overloaded enough as it is.

MMAFS: How did Phil Baroni end up working for MMA Big Show as a commentator?

JA: I called him and hired him. haha

MMAFS: Phil Baroni vs Joe Rogan. Predictions?

JA: Phil Baroni was great at one time. I think he's lost his drive as a fighter. His name has reached a point of comfort for him so he isn't hungry anymore. Joe Rogan on the other hand is very skilled in BJJ but his heart isn't in the competition either. I would have to go with Baroni because all it would take would be one shot from Baroni and I think Joe Rogan would end up sounding like Tiny Tim on the next PPV. I'd like to see Roger Bowling vs. Phil Baroni personally.

MMAFS: Considering that you are over 2.1 meters tall, we will skip the Appleton/White prediction question. However, what is the extent of your own MMA experience? Any plans to step into the ring as a fighter in the future?

JA: I'd love to fight Hong Man Choi if given a decent check and enough time to get the rust out. I don't have the time to train properly and wouldn't neglect my business and family to train for just anyone. It would have to be really worth the effort.

MMAFS: What can the world expect from MMA Big Show in 2010?

JA: A lot...regional/national television, international pay per view on demand. Bigger main events, iPhone PPV streaming and on demand fights as well as our iPhone RPG game and I'm even considering a small vanity record label to put out royalty free fight songs for other promotions. There is a lot more but I'll be able to discuss those things as they get closer to fruition.

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For further information, check out The Future of The MMA Big Show.