FanHouse Marcus Jones

Darrill Schoonover, a cast member of the current season of The Ultimate Fighter, has been called back to active military duty in the U.S. Army, and will have to report shortly after his Dec. 5 fight on the TUF finale.

Schoonover, who previously served four years in the Army, believes he may be called to serve in Afghanistan, according to an interview he conducted with Shambala Sports Radio.

"At first I was kind of pissed," he said. "I was like, 'I've already served my country for four years and been out for almost two years.' I'm getting my fighting started and getting the ball rolling on that. I was kind of mad, but the very next day, I just accepted it. I'll do what I gotta do, and then I'll come back and work on my fighting."

Next month, the UFC and Spike TV will unveil its newest edition of The Ultimate Fighter. Because of the presence of former internet phenom Kimbo Slice, it is expected to be the highest-rated of the show's 10-season run. But for the sport's long-term growth, the more important element could be the inclusion of four former NFL players.

Witness for example a piece penned by New York Times writer R.M. Schneiderman, which discusses the participation of the four athletes: Marcus Jones, Matt Mitrione, Brendan Schaub and Wes Shivers.

The New York Times only occasionally writes about MMA, so any mention is hugely important. And with the NFL clearly in the lead as America's favorite sport, athletes who cross over from the gridiron to the cage will almost certainly bring along some curious followers.