UFC Embraces Mexico as a Potential New Market for Mixed Martial Arts
Mixed martial arts (MMA) is the fastest growing sport in the world, and sees incredible potential in Mexico. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), which recently announced a reported seven-year, $100 million partnership with FOX Sports Network, is enthusiastic about both Mexican fighters and fans.
One reason the Mexican market is attractive to the UFC is that many top-tier MMA fighters are Mexican or Mexican-American. Names such as Cain Velasquez, Dominick Cruz, Tito Ortiz, Miguel Torres, Roger Huerta, and Gilbert Melendez shine in the UFC and are considered elite martial artists.
In recent interviews with MexicoToday, UFC Bantamweight Champion Dominick Cruz credited the incredible work ethic of the Mexican fighter to this success, whereas rising UFC contender Aaron Rosa explained Mexican athletes such as himself have the heart that set them apart. Read more
ProElite Announced Multi-Fight Deal with HDNet
ProElite announced it has signed a new, multi-fight, multi-year television deal, unveiled on last night’s LIVE broadcast of “Inside MMA”. The fight promotions company will air LIVE coverage of “HDNet Fights: ProElite – Big Guns” on November 5 at the iWireless Center in Moline, IL.
“After watching their first event in Hawaii, I could see ProElite was a great fit for HDNet,” said Andrew Simon, CEO of HDNet Fights. “This upcoming card has the perfect mix of marquee names and an innovative Heavyweight tournament that fight fans won’t want to miss!”
Former UFC Heavyweight Champions Tim Sylvia and Andrei Arlovski will headline the event in separate bouts in addition to an 8-man Heavyweight tournament to identify the up-and-coming talent among MMA’s heavy hitters. Read more
UFC Fans Vote Brendan Schaub as the 19th Recipient of the Tequila CAZADORES Spirit Award
Tequila CAZADORES, Official Spirits Sponsor of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), is proud to announce the 19th recipient and repeat winner of the Tequila CAZADORES Spirit Award – heavyweight fighter Brendan Schaub, known for his well-rounded fighting abilities.
Tequila CAZADORES and UFC invited fans (21+) to decide the Tequila CAZADORES Spirit Award winner for UFC 128. Consumers had the opportunity to vote online at UFC.com for the fighter they thought demonstrated social responsibility, dedication to their art form, and good sportsmanship; the core values behind the Tequila CAZADORES brand and its sponsorship with UFC.
Brendan’s win was announced LIVE on March 16, 2011, at UFC 128 in Las Vegas, Nevada as well as on Pay-Per-View® during the fighter’s walk out to the Octagon™. Tequila CAZADORES congratulates Brendan on his win and would like to thank the increasingly growing number of fans for voting and supporting the Tequila CAZADORES Spirit Award.
Brendan attended the University of Colorado, where he received a full athletic scholarship and played four years as a fullback on the football team. After college, he played professional football in the Arena Football League and spent time on the practice squad in the NFL. Brendan was introduced to mixed martial arts by his father who is a 2nd degree black belt in Karate and Tae Kwon Do. As the winner of the Tequila CAZADORES Spirit Award, Tequila CAZADORES presented Brendan with a plaque and a check for a $1,000 donation made in his name to the Colorado Humane Society & SPCA.
“Brendan’s tenacious spirit and drive make him a model recipient for the Tequila CAZADORES Spirit Award,” said Fannie Young, vice president and brand managing director, Tequila CAZADORES, “Brendan has a deep commitment to mixed martial arts and his community and truly embodies the core values of our brand.” Read more
Lightweight Champions Edgar and Alvarez Square Off This Week on HDNet’s Inside MMA
Plus, Lorenzo Fertitta on an all new ‘Fighting Words with Mike Straka’, Friday, March 4 on HDNet
MMA’s Lightweight division is arguably the most competitive weight class in the sport with three champions in three different promotions jockeying for the top spot. Politics will almost certainly keep them from tangling in the cage anytime soon, but this Friday, the top 155 pound dogs from the UFC and Bellator will be side-by-side on HDNet’s “Inside MMA” at 9:00 p.m. ET.
UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar and Bellator Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez join Kenny and Bas to talk about who the best lightweight in the world really is. Edgar and Alvarez also talk about training together and whether or not the two will ever face each other. Both also discuss the potential drop to 145.
The panel also breaks down the highlights from UFC 127 and MFC 28 and takes a look ahead to Bellator’s season 3 kick off and Strikeforce™ Columbus.
Plus, Chuck Liddell talks about the future of MMA in part two of his sit-down interview with Kenny Rice and Ron Kruck travels to Wanderlei Silva’s training center in Las Vegas for the latest stop on his “Inside America’s Gyms” tour. Read more
HDNet announces multi-year partnership with Mark Burnett Presents: King of the Cage
Network to Feature Internationally Recognized MMA Organization and Emmy Award Winning Producer
HDNet announces a multi-year partnership with “Mark Burnett Presents: King of the Cage,” in which, under terms of the agreement, the network will feature LIVE “King of the Cage” events every month.
The first event will air on HDNet on Friday, February 12 at 10:00 p.m. ET.
“King of the Cage and Mark Burnett are pioneers in their respective fields, and we are excited to feature ‘Mark Burnett Presents: King of the Cage’ on HDNet as part of our commitment to being the home of MMA,” said Mark Cuban, Chairman and Co-founder of HDNet. “The award-winning story telling of Mark Burnett will bring the personalities of MMA to life in a way that has never been seen before.”
“MMA fighters are some of the most fascinating personalities I have ever encountered, and I am excited about the opportunity to help KOTC to bring those characters to life on HDNet,” said Mark Burnett. “I am impressed with the quality of King of the Cage, and we look forward to bringing their brand to the next level in conjunction with Mark Cuban, who is one of the truly great entrepreneurs of media and sports.”
“King of the Cage is committed to delivering great fights while developing the stars of tomorrow in MMA,” said Terry Trebilcock, President of King of the Cage. “Working with Mark Burnett and HDNet provides us with the perfect platform to do just that.”
Founded in 1998, “King of the Cage” has become the most prolific MMA promoter in the United States, and has grown into an internationally recognized brand, with events in Canada, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan. It has launched the careers of many MMA superstars including Forrest Griffin, Quinton Jackson, and Urijah Faber.
Mark Burnett is a leading executive producer for primetime television, cable and the Internet, and has produced over 1,100 hours of television programming which regularly air in over 70 countries around the world. Burnett has revolutionized television with continuing hits such as “Survivor” (CBS), “The Apprentice” (NBC), the now syndicated “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” (FOX), which is currently being produced in 55 countries, the daytime syndicated hit “Martha,” and the hit series “Shark Tank” (ABC); giving Mark a different series on each of the four major networks.
Burnett also produces the MTV Movie Awards and Bully Beatdown (MTV). Burnett started off 2010 with a bang, producing the 36th annual People’s Choice Awards (CBS).