If HDNet wasn’t already bringing it’s viewers enough mixed martial arts action, 2009 will be even better as a new deal has been worked out that will bring DREAM and K-1 to the high-definition cable channel.

DREAM:
DALLAS (November 21, 2008) – HDNet Fights announced that it has extended its existing partnership with FEG USA, Inc. to present the DREAM Mixed Martial Arts events in 2009 and beyond. This announcement makes HDNet the exclusive North American television destination for the DREAM MMA events.

“We’re very happy to expand and continue this successful partnership with FEG USA, Inc.,” said Andrew Simon, CEO of HDNet Fights. “DREAM is known for having the best MMA tournaments and superfights in the world and clearly has the greatest production and fighter entrances in the sport. This partnership solidifies our commitment to being THE Home of MMA.”

“It has been a good year for DREAM,” said Mike Kogan of FEG USA, Inc. “We are glad that FEG is able to continue its partnership with HDNet and bring more DREAM action to North American Fans.”

Airdates and times for the upcoming DREAM events will be announced at a later date.

K-1:
Deal brings the world famous combat sport, K-1 exclusively to HDNet in 2009
DALLAS (November 21, 2008) – HDNet Fights announced today that it is partnering with FEG USA, Inc. to bring the extremely popular K-1 World Grand Prix and K-1 World MAX tournaments to HDNet. K-1 is an electrifying form of kickboxing that combines techniques from various martial arts disciplines. HDNet will be the exclusive home of
K-1 in North America.

“K-1 is one of the most popular and exciting combat sports in the world and we’re proud to present it on HDNet,” said Andrew Simon, CEO of HDNet Fights. “If you are a fan of DREAM, you are going to love the explosive non-stop, stand-up action of K-1 and K-1 MAX.”

“K-1 features the best stand-up fighters in the world and draws enormous crowds everywhere,” said Mike Kogan of FEG USA, Inc. “We are very excited to have HDNet bring the 2008 K-1 World Grand Prix Final, 2009 K-1 World Grand Prix and 2009 K-1 World MAX tournaments to North American viewers.”

HDNet’s coverage kicks off December 6 at 12:00 a.m. PT with LIVE coverage of the biggest show of the year, the 2008 K-1 World Grand Prix Final. The event will be repeated later that evening at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. K-1 stages regional qualifiers throughout the year, which culminate in the K-1 Grand Prix, an annual one-night, 8-man tournament to determine the best stand-up fighter in the world.

The 2008 World Grand Prix Final on HDNet will feature the following tournament match-ups, which will lead to the crowning of the 2008 Grand Prix Champion:

3-time Grand Prix Champion and K-1 Legend Peter Aerts (62-21 w/ 28Kos, Holland) vs K-1 Heavyweight Champion Badr Hari (11-3 w/ 10Kos, Morocco)
Errol Zimmerman (5-0 w 5Kos, Holland), Ewerton Teixeira (5-0 w 5Kos, Brazil)
Gokhan Saki (7-1 w 4Kos, Turkey), Ruslan Karaev (11-6 w 6Kos, Russia)
2-time Grand Prix Champion Remy Bonjasky (33-8 w 15Kos, Holland), and Jerome Le Banner (43-16-2 w 29Kos, France).
(The participating fighters may change due to injuries or their physical condition).

The deal encompasses six events from the 2009 K-1 tournament and six events from the 2009 K-1 MAX tournament.

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