Image Credit: Spike TV
It’s official: UFC is moving to Fox and FX, with Spike TV canceling its long-running reality hit The Ultimate Fighter.
As part of a multi-year deal, Fox will air four live UFC fights per year. Ultimate Fighter will now air on FX. Instead of taping Fighter months in advance like on Spike, each Fighter episode will be shot the same week as when the episode airs and will followed by a live fight. FX will carry six regular fights per year in addition to 24 Ultimate Fighter
“This is the pinnacle,” says UFC president Dana White on a conference call with reporters, talking about landing on Fox. “This is what I always wanted. I couldn’t be more proud. All those people who thought i was a lunatic 10 years ago when I said this was going to be the biggest sport.”
White assured that the broadcast fights will be significant match-ups, rather than saving all of the important bouts for Pay Per View. “We want to pull ratings, we want to pull the big numbers,” White said.
Here’s a statement by Spike TV:
“The Ultimate Fighter season 14 in September will be our last. We are increasing our commitment to distinctive, original series that we own such as Auction Hunters and Bar Rescue which are delivering on our goal to reach a broader audience. Our 6-year partnership with the UFC has been incredibly beneficial in building both our brands, and we wish them all the best in the future.”
The last season of Ultimate Fighter was the lowest-rated yet, averaging 1.6 million viewers.
This isn’t the first time MMA fights have aired on broadcast, CBS experimented with the format a few years back. The first Fox fight will air on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 9 p.m. ET.
this is because UFC is moving to FOX
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Not so shocking after the UFC/Fox Press Conference in 20 minutes…
What he said.
Not “shocking” — UFC is about to announce it’s moving to FOX/FX.
“We are increasing our commitment to distinctive, orginal series…..” Translation…we are looking to copy some of the crap that is shown on other stations so as to increase rating.
I think that they got tired of Ultimate Fighter. Some shows wear thin on some networks and don’t fit with their format. I think they got tired of the taped stuff that feels a month too late.
They didnt get tired of The Ultimate Fighter. They were negotoating with the UFC to keep running it but the UFC decided to go with the offer from FOX/FX.
It’s likely moving to FX in the Fox deal…
yeah but spike is buying the rights to PRIDE FC from Zuffa.
hells yeah! the glory days of mma will be shown again
Does that mean more pub for Imact Wrestling on Spike?
Spike TV isn’t canceling them, UFC is the one who decided to not renew their contract.
Exactly. I dont see how EW doesnt get this. It’s like saying Project Runway got cancelled by Bravo when they went to Lifetime.
Not at all surprising that Fox would invite Dana White, a bigoted racist, onto their network.
@jeff how is Dana White a bigoted racist?
I hated the last season of TUF on Spike. (Mainly because of the coaches.) The show has definitely gone downhill over the years. Hopefully the new format on F/X will help it out.
SPike is being so bitter about the UFC leaving them for Fox.