(London, 8.12.11) Europe’s leading Mixed Martial Arts promotion, BAMMA, is excited to announce that it has signed a long-term multi-platform programming agreement with Canada’s Fight Network channel, which will air live broadcasts of BAMMA’s next 10 events. The first event to be televised is BAMMA 8: Manuwa vs. Rea which takes place at the Capital FM Arena in Nottingham this Saturday 10th December.
The live broadcast on Fight Network is programmed for 4 p.m. ET. The main event sees undefeated British prospect Jimi Manuwa face experienced, French tough-man Antony Rea, while fast-rising judoka, Jim Wallhead, is set to clash with Strikeforce veteran Joey Villasenor.
“Over the past year, Fight Network has proudly featured live events from BAMMA, one of the best mixed martial arts brands on a planet,” said Chad Midgley, VP of Programming & Production at Fight Network. “I’m very excited to extend this partnership for another 10 events as we continue our commitment to bringing fight fans the best international live events. BAMMA has separated itself from the pack of emerging MMA promotions with a stacked pool of talent and excellent production value, making it a perfect fit for the network.”
“We are really excited to be extending our partnership with Fight Network,” said BAMMA director David Green. “Canada is well known for its love of the sport and we believe that this is a fantastic opportunity for BAMMA to continue showcasing the best of British MMA to a passionate, wider audience. Teaming up with a well reputed combat sports channel is such a natural brand fit for BAMMA that we really couldn’t choose a better platform than Fight Network.”
The live event takes place in Nottingham, UK. The town is the spiritual home of British MMA since Paul Daley founded the renowned Team Rough House there. The camp has produced reputed fighters Andre Winner, Jimmy Wallhead and Dean Amasinger – all fighting on the BAMMA 8 card.
Dean Amasinger will be facing Danny Mitchell on Saturday. Having fought on Ontario’s first legal fight card at Casino Rama earlier this year, Amasinger commented:
“Canadian fans are some of the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable fans in the world. It’s great that BAMMA is being shown there and I’d love to fight there again”
Pitted against Diego Gonzalez on the main card, Rough House’s Andre Winner said:
“It’s great opportunity for BAMMA to showcase itself as a quality organisation and also for me as a fighter. Acknowledgement by other countries brings a good feeling to the event and it is great to see them taking an interest in what we are doing over here. The interest and support is welcomed.”
BAMMA 8: Manuwa vs. Rea on Fight Network is set to feature:
Light Heavyweight Bout
Jimi Manuwa vs. Anthony Rea
Welterweight Bout
Jim Wallhead vs. Joey Villasenor
Lightweight Title Eliminator
Andre Winner vs. Diego Gonzalez
Bantamweight Bout
Paul McVeigh vs. Erik Perez