UFC President Dana White told BroadcastingCable.com that he expects to have the UFC on network television at some point in 2011. Although he didn’t get into specifics because the discussions are ongoing, White did not rule out a possible deal with Fox or NBC.
When asked if he thinks the UFC will appear on a network next year, White responded:
Yes, we will. We are working on some things right now. I just can’t talk about it at all because we are right in the middle of it.
Even before EliteXC put together the first live MMA on broadcast TV on CBS, White was hinting at the possibility of getting the UFC onto a network, but he’s been patient and insisted on waiting for the right deal to come along. But the UFC has since gained in popularity and might have more leverage now with a record of sustained success and a possible NFL lockout looming.
We look forward to it to broaden and strengthen the MMA fan base. MMA fans have to urge bar owners to pay for costly public displays of Pay-Per-View. In contrast, bars can make revenue by showing other sports on cable TV like baseball, hockey, football, golf, soccer etc.
Not happening. I call BS.
[…] only thing that pops in my head right away is that it may have something to do with the new television deal that we reported on Monday. However, you just never know when it comes to White. He has been hinting at some […]