By Stacy Jenel Smith Tiffany Fallon is in the VIP lounge at Los Angeles International Airport, awaiting a flight to Nashville and being noticed by several executives and other waiting passengers nearby as she sits for an interview. No wonder. The 5'7" 118-lb. brunette co-host of 'IFL Battleground' on MyNetwork TV is beautiful indeed, as her credentials as a former Miss Georgia USA and Playboy magazine's 2005 Playmate of the Year attest.

Maybe her conversation is catching people's interest as well, as Fallon talks enthusiastically about the men in her life: her husband, Joe Don Rooney of reigning country music band Rascal Flats; her cohost, world champion mixed martial artist Bas Rutten; her father and brother, both black belts in Karate; and of course, the contenders who make up the International Fight League.

Sure, those menacing men look like they could - and would - inflict a lot of damage on anyone without even having to try hard, but Tiffany wants us to know, "These guys are really personable, well-spoken guys. Sixty per cent of them have college degrees. They include chefs, former Olympians and college athletes. They're just great with the fans.

"I've been around a lot of different sports," adds the one-time Atlanta Falcons cheerleader, "and I've never seen athletes better at interacting with the people who come to see them. They have passion for their sport, respect for themselves and for their opponents."

Not unlike some of the fighters, Fallon finds herself meeting preconceived notions that aren't much like her real self.

"I had a lot of life experience before I posed for Playboy," notes Fallon, 34-23-35, who did her first layout for the magazine at age 30.

She worked as a flight attendant for Delta Airlines prior to that. Hailing from Ft. Lauderdale, she is a graduate of Florida State University and has a degree in Sports Management.

Now, she says, "I wear many hats in the industry. I'm doing a whole gamut of things. And I'm married now," adds the bride of one year.

Is Joe Don a fan of mixed martial arts?

"He was into it before I got involved. He always jokes about my being around these big tough guys, and then I come home to him. He's the puny one," Tiffany says. Then she adds, "He actually trains very hard. We're trying to find a gym we can train at. You know, there are 35,000 gyms offering mixed martial arts across the country. It's the fastest-growing sport."

Blending martial arts disciplines including karate, jiu-jitsu and tae kwon do with elements of boxing and wrestling, "It looks pretty brutal," she acknowledges, "and it can be from time to time. The moves are very strategic."

Although the sport began with Gracie family Brazilian vale tudo (no rules) fighting, within the 'IFL', "There are very strict rules," notes Fallon. "There are no kicks to the kidney or the back of the head, for instance. What I find impressive is the restrictions about language that can be used inside the ring. That shows respect."

She has become a goodwill ambassador for the 'IFL', in fact, trying to push 'IFL Battleground' as a show women can actually enjoy with their men, and even families can watch together. Unlike cartoon or fantasy violence, these ring battles show kids "real consequences" of fighting each other, she stresses. Fair enough.

And unlike the famed Ultimate Fighting Championships, the 'IFL' competition is set up in a team format, with domestic and international challengers fighting inside rings.

Even as her TV star rises, Fallon has continued her association with Hugh Hefner and Playboy, modeling the latest Bunny costume, appearing on "The Girls Next Door," etc.

Her husband must be a pretty secure guy, having other men see naked pictures of her all over the place.

"He has a good relationship with Hef -- a great relationship," Fallon comments. "He's been to the mansion a couple times."

As far as Bos, "He looks intimidating, but he's really a great family guy," she notes. Traveling around the country to 'IFL' matches, she says she's come to appreciate "I'm just blessed" to work with him.

In fact, Tiffany Fallon is feeling blessed in many ways these days.