And, with apologies to “The Natural,” Randy Couture’s appearances on shows like “The Unit” probably won’t cause many uninformed viewers to wonder, “Hmm … who is this rugged-yet-stiff, cauliflower-eared actor, and where did he come from?” Couture — also a minor league thespian — has many backers who will check out whatever acting work he does, but it’s unlikely that his on-screen appearances will spark another kind of cult following.

Putting Huerta’s pristine mug on a screen, conversely, might be slightly more buzz-worthy. His age and appearance could create powerful currents, even if he turns out to be more Vin Diesel than Leonardo DiCaprio. Next thing you know, John and Sally Teenager will Google this unknown actor, discover his true occupation, click the link to UFC.com and – presto! – MMA has infiltrated another two prospective fans.

Some might hear about Huerta’s future plans and immediately retreat to thoughts of his controversial comments in a magazine interview last summer about fighter compensation within the UFC. He sounded off about being underpaid and overworked, quotes that appeared harmful to his relationship with UFC brass before he smoothed it over. With that in mind, it's easy to believe Huerta’s acting desires are probably all about money.

To that, I say damn right Huerta's acting desires are probably all about money.

Many pro fighters struggle to get by on winnings and sponsorships as they endure daily beatings and strenuous training. So, there’s nothing wrong with considering all options and looking out for No. 1, as tacky as that sounds.

If that means leaving the career that launched your star for another enterprise that could send you to greater heights and a richer life, the decision is a no-brainer.

And if Huerta can’t find fitting roles or steady work as an actor/model, he might want to team up with a writer and pen a screenplay about his life, a story filled with enough adversity and triumph to fill theatres.

There is great risk involved in Huerta’s decision to break from the sport, though. He could chase an aspiration that, years later, he may concede he’ll never reach. Then, he could return to MMA just in time to realize that old ride has passed him by, too.

It’s all conjecture, of course. Who knows if Huerta will make it as a celebrity and divert more well-deserved attention to MMA. That won’t be up to me, or even my demographic.

It’ll likely be up to a faction of people — which is to say women — that’s responsible for the atrocity of Vin Diesel’s stardom.