UFC Network Set to Launch?
Dana White's Major Announcement Spoiled on ESPN?
Although a major announcement was scheduled for today that was expected to be of the magnitude of a UFC Network launch, it was instead the much-anticipated announcement that WEC-a Zuffa-owned brand-would finally merge with the flagship brand, UFC. Nothing further was announced.
With one unified mixed martial arts brand to run, White and the executives at Zuffa can now focus on establishing that one brand, and having a potential UFC Network on cable systems would be a major driving force in further marketing a brand that still stirs controversy amongst the general public. But how close are we to seeing the UFC on network television, let alone a dedicated channel?
In a recent interview with BroadcastingCable.com, White confidently stated the UFC will be on network television in 2011.
"Yes, we will," White said. "We are working on some things right now." A
lthough the interviewer further questions White on where the company could be going, White evades the line of questioning, citing confidentiality of present negotiations.
"We're in the middle of this stuff, we can't talk about it, but it's all common sense." When the topic of the long-rumoured UFC Network came up, White also confidently announced his intentions. "That will happen within the next couple years."
Having numerous disagreements with networks in the past, a UFC Network would allow the company to air live events without compromising their vision for an ideal UFC production should a deal with a major network not materialize. The company has thousands of hours worth of footage from archived UFC events and programming such as "The Ultimate Fighter" reality show, as well as archived Pride FC, WFA, and WEC events. The network would also allow the company to produce new programming. Collectively, the network could be a major contributor in the growth of the UFC-and mixed martial arts in general-toward the mainstream.
Source(s):
Ben Grossman, "UFC Chief Says Broadcast Deal Coming 2011" BroadcastingCable.com
Published by R. T. Leone
A Featured Sports Contributor on Associated Content who specializes in covering all mainstream combat sports. As a professional wrestling fan my entire life, I stumbled upon MMA in 2006 through the Fight Ne... View profile
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- White confidently stated the UFC will be on network television in 2011
- When the topic of the long rumoured UFC Network came up, White confidently announced his intentions
- The network could be a major contributor in the growth of the UFC towards the mainstream