New Series To Premiere Thursday, February 23 at 11:00pm ET/PT
New York, NY, February 9, 2012 – Dan Henderson, one of mixed martial arts’ all time greats, will serve as the first guest on Spike TV’s new primetime mixed martial arts magazine show, “Spike’s MMA Uncensored Live,” on Thursday, February 23 at 11:00pm ET/PT. Henderson, a former Strikeforce light heavyweight and Pride middleweight champion, most recently fought and defeated Mauricio Rua at UFC 139 in November, in what many consider one of the best fights in recent memory.
The premiere episode will also feature a comprehensive look at mixed martial arts in Japan on the eve of UFC 144: Edgar vs. Henderson, which will air on pay-per-view on Saturday, February 25 from Saitama, Japan.
Japan is the birthplace of modern competitive mixed martial arts, but in the ten years since a UFC event was last held there, the fortunes of MMA in Japan have seen an astonishing rise and a dramatic fall, precipitated by widespread corruption, death threats, and the influence of the ruthless Japanese mafia.
The “MMA Uncensored Live” panelists will also breakdown UFC 144, discussing the highly anticipated battle between lightweight champ Frankie Edgar and Ben Henderson and a light heavyweight showdown between Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Ryan Bader.
The recently re-named “MMA Uncensored Live” features radio personality Craig Carton as host with middleweight fighter Nate Quarry and mixed martial arts veteran journalist Mike Straka as fight experts. More information on the premiere telecast will be announced shortly.
“MMA Uncensored Live” will broadcast each week from the heart of New York City at the iconic MTV Studios in Times Square. This half-hour, multi-platform show will feature a look ahead at the weekend’s big mixed martial arts fights, and a look back at the action from recent bouts. The show will feature lively debate and discussion with the show hosts along with live in-studio interviews with many of the world’s top fighters, in-depth investigative features and action-packed highlights, as well as viewer interaction via Twitter, Facebook, and other social media channels.
Jay Peterson, David Larzelere, and Jon Gerstel of Original Media along with Jon Slusser from Spike TV serve as Executive Producers. Christopher Martello serves as Vice President, Sports for Spike TV.
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