Originally published at MMA Payout
Strikeforce’s Frank Shamrock made an appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon last Thursday to promote Strikeforce’s Dec. 4th event as well as his anti-bullying campaign, Stand Up Together.
http://www.hulu.com/embed/WDVHwjL3v6XPLbJBKNJzzg/0/217
Payout Perspective:
Shamrock’s appearance is a big step for the mainstream visibility for Strikeforce. I thought he was great but I would be interested in knowing whether the casual MMA fan knew the names Babalu Sobral or Dan Henderson, even if both were in the UFC at one time. It’s a good start for Strikeforce if they can get Shamrock on as a regular guest to promote Strikeforce fights. He’s a likeable guy and seems to understand Fallon’s comedy.
As for the anti-bullying campaign, it was a good way for Shamrock to leverage his appearance to promote his non-profit. The campaign makes sense for Shamrock since it could reshape the public perception of MMA fighters like Shamrock, appeal to a wider audience and elevate his image. Although not a target for bullying, Shamrock’s cause shows empathy for people that are susceptible to bullying.