I plan to use this weekly column to complement the radio show - The Rear Naked Choke - which can be heard every Monday at 9:30 p.m. ET. 

Since the radio show started back in December 2006, I've always wanted to express more of my thoughts to you - the listeners.  This column is where I will do that. 

For now, I plan to publish a new "work of art" on Fridays.  This should enable our listeners to read it prior to the next show.  Most of the topics will be focused on the IFL - as is the podcast - however I forsee myself writing about the UFC, M1 and other leagues. 

After all, I finally have that infamous card known as a "Writer's License". 

Of course, I can't use it to get through the airport, buy coffee at Dunkin' Donuts - or Starbucks if that's your preference - nor can I even see my "Writer's License", but I'm told I have one.

Today, I want to discuss the Championship Belts of the IFL.  On December 29th, the IFL presented five brand-spanking-new wide-body belts to fighters who earned them. 

To me, it doesn't matter so much who won these belts as much as it matters there are finally belts to be won.  Belts reward individuals. 

Take a look at any popular sport and you'll quickly realize how many individual achievements they contain.  Football is good one to use as an example.  Sure, the Super Bowl is a fantastic prize, but it would most certainly be less interesting if there were no MVPs.  Both baseball and football have hall-of-fames and ice hockey has the Conn Smythe (playoff MVP). 

Individual achievements within a team-based sport is imperative in order to appeal to the masses.  Let's face it, people love stars.  While the IFL made a good move to bringing the entire team concept to MMA, it made the perfect move by introducing and awarding the belts to individuals.