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Home > Blogs > Mixed Martial Arts > Archives > 2009 > September > 17 > Entry
MMA returns to network TV with Strikeforce-CBS deal
Mixed martial arts will again air live on U.S. network television following today’s announcement that Strikeforce, arguably the top MMA promotion behind the Ultimate Fighting Championship, has struck a deal with CBS.
The first event, headlined by Fedor Emelianenko (30-1) vs. fellow heavyweight Brett Rogers (10-0), airs Nov. 7, though no location or venue have been officially announced.
CBS was the first major U.S. network to air MMA. However, the Tiffany Network hitched its wagon to EliteXC, a poorly run promotion that burned through tens of millions of dollars and collapsed after just three CBS shows in 2008.
Strikeforce, though, has staying power, and with the TV deal, could present a serious challenge to the UFC’s top-dog status over time.
Strikeforce technically aired on network television before, but its deal with NBC provided taped highlights packages in late-night timeslots and isn’t believed to have been a revenue generator for the organization.
However, the combination of CBS and Strikeforce’s other broadcast partner, Showtime, should give the promotion a lot of upcoming exposure.
But don’t count out the UFC, which currently airs on pay-per-view and Spike TV. UFC president Dana White recently promised the UFC will have its own network deal within 12 months.
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