[vincesanity82]

Many boxers disparage mixed martial arts. Sugar Ray Leonard is not one of them.

At the ESPN headquarters in Bristol on Friday to promote The Contender, Leonard said that as the sport of mixed martial arts has evolved, his appreciation for it has grown.

"When I first saw it, many years ago, before it was regulated, I squirmed," Leonard said. "But I like the fighters now."

Leonard mentioned Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, the Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight champ, as a fighter he particularly respects. (He likes the chains Rampage wears, too.) He's also a fan of B.J. Penn.

And although the shows appear on competing networks, Leonard says he likes what UFC has done with The Ultimate Fighter, a show that is basically the same as The Contender, just with mixed martial arts instead of boxing. Leonard says he believes sports need stars, and reality shows are a good way to create them.

Sugar Ray Leonard Likes Rampage Jackson - FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog

[EmpireWF]

The Ultimate Fighter is the major reason why MMA/UFC is where it is today.

But it's cool to see such a legendary fighter say he respects the sport and athletes involved.

It shows not everyone is a fool.