Short term, I think there are going to be a lot of people lamenting this development.  But I think that the more that people become familiarized with MMA... not just as viewers and fans/critics, but on a personal level with grappling, jiu jitsu, wrestling, and kick boxing taking off as fitness fads... the more that the sport will be accepted and then treasured.

Till now, casual observers are only familiar with the UFC's product.  And I know you like him, but Kimbo isn't the greatest ambassador for the sport either.

It'll take a while for people to see past the brutal nature of the sport.