UFC & CBS Close to Deal

[THE BOUNCER]

UFC programming could soon air on CBS — real, network TV — and the announcement could come this week.

The report comes from David Goetzl of MediaPost Publications, who reports that a UFC-CBS deal is apparently in the final stages. Additionally, he reports that NBC is also now looking into airing MMA content of its own.

Why the change of heart? Has network TV really warmed up to the idea of airing mixed-martial arts in prime-time slots? Not necessarily. The networks are simply working on contingency plans in case the current Hollywood-writers’ strike continues long-term.

The strike, which includes more than 12,000 writers, is directed at the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which reps American film and television producers. The strike hopes to address issues in the Writers Guild of America’s Minimum Basic Agreement, including DVD residuals, new media (Internet downloads, smart-phone programming, etc.), and reality and animation television.

It’s already begun affecting the networks. For example, NBC has run out of episodes of its hit, “The Office.” New episodes won’t air until the strike is resolved.

The strike is expected to last through the new year, so TV networks are on the search for writer-free programming.

According to today’s report, Viacom (the parent company of UFC partner cable station Spike TV) is in “advanced negotiations” to air UFC programming on CBS in the first quarter of 2008, and according to a source for the report, an official announcement could come this week.

Now, with CBS and UFC apparently close to a deal, NBC has jumped into the mix. M-1 Global (which recently signed Fedor Emelianenko), K-1 and the International Fight League were all mentioned as possible broadcast partners.

[Timma]

i can't see it happening. All the religious freaks and the FCC won't let it happen.

[rado]

Originally Posted by Timma

i can't see it happening. All the religious freaks and the FCC won't let it happen.

I beg to differ...I see it happening very soon...What I don't want to see is that the MMA industry takes a down shit spiral like Boxing has...MMA & Boxing are some of the oldest sports dating back into time and we as a culture ruin it...Most MMA fighters fight for the love of money and fame...Some fighters respect the martial arts aspect of it, some do not.

When UFC 1st started back in the early 90's, IMO it WAS about Martial Arts...It's not the same now; quite boring at times.

Remember the old days of boxing? That was fun to watch...These days in Boxing and MMA are not the same.

[babyblues]

Originally Posted by rado

I beg to differ...I see it happening very soon...What I don't want to see is that the MMA industry takes a down shit spiral like Boxing has...MMA & Boxing are some of the oldest sports dating back into time and we as a culture ruin it...Most MMA fighters fight for the love of money and fame...Some fighters respect the martial arts aspect of it, some do not.

When UFC 1st started back in the early 90's, IMO it WAS about Martial Arts...It's not the same now; quite boring at times.

Remember the old days of boxing? That was fun to watch...These days in Boxing and MMA are not the same.

Ha Ha...the old days of boxing. The "old days of boxing" to us were probably more corrupt than they are now. Boxing as we know it has never been a pure sport. It has always been manipulated. As long as there is that much money to be made, that won't change.

[rado]

Originally Posted by babyblues

Ha Ha...the old days of boxing. The "old days of boxing" to us were probably more corrupt than they are now. Boxing as we know it has never been a pure sport. It has always been manipulated. As long as there is that much money to be made, that won't change.

Well true...What I mean is that today's MMA is not like it use to be...I don't know how much you follow MMA or know about it...But when I was growing up and up until UFC, MMA was a more of a self discipline get your self together kind of thing...It was an art...It's not like that anymore...Everyone these days seems to be a "fighter"...I laugh at these people who wear "Tap Out" gear; fucking poster boys


People who go to Jiu Jitsu class a few times think they know everything...Or I love it when I'm at the gym and I hear casual conversation about their MMA class...I wish Bruce Lee was still alive...Seems like he was the only one who had respect for the art, actually he was the reason people had respect for Martial Arts.

[Mr incredible]

Excellent read, if they can see enough money in it (being able to charge high advertising due to guaranteed numbers)then they will do it, thats a prime social demographic section of the population, vitamin, health, beer, generally male orientated goods for the 13-45 year olds will be streaming in for a slot in the breaks.

They were trying to do this before for some time and failed so went back to Spike but possibly on a flexible contract so that Zuffa can get out.

Its also great that other channels have looked at scooping the other federations, personally I'm going off UFC fight scene, it lacks honour, too much smack talk, even the ex pride fighters look like they don't want to bee there, I'd like to see more K1.

[Mr incredible]

Originally Posted by rado

When UFC 1st started back in the early 90's, IMO it WAS about Martial Arts...It's not the same now; quite boring at times.

Can't see it, having watched all the early UFC bouts they were pulling hair, kicking nuts, eye gouging, stomping. Fighters were more one dimentional to start with relative to there skill area but within a minute or so it turned into an ugly panic. It was terrible IMO

The cleanest action comes from K1 (not K1 dynamite) IMO, they arn't even allowed to clinch so theres even less holding on than in boxing, its just stand off striking, awsome atheletes.

MMA is probably closer to one on one street fights but K! is pure action all the way