American cable network Versus announced Monday a multi-year extension with Zuffa, LLC, the parent company of the Ultimate Fighting Championship and World Extreme Cagefighting.
The renewal deal will bring seven WEC fights and two live UFC events in 2010, marking the first time that live UFC events will air on a national sports cable network.
“We recognize that mixed martial arts is one of the fastest-growing sports genres. It’s bringing in a new audience that hasn’t watched us before,” said Versus President Jamie Davis.
According to Davis, while the average Versus viewer is 45 years old, it’s audience for MMA events averages 36 years of age.
Until now, SpikeTV had been the exclusive home to the UFC on American cable.
Spike TV spokesperson David Schwarz today told MMA Junkie Monday, “We feel anything that helps expand the sport is good for Spike as we are the longterm home of the UFC, who are tremendous partners to work with.”
According to Versus, an announcement will follow in the near future detailing the first live UFC event to air on Versus.
Tweet
Cesar Gracie Takes Judges to Task for UFC 143 Decision
Fabricio Werdum Interested in June Fight Against Frank Mir
Josh Koscheck Leaves American Kickboxing Academy
Comments