The men’s network, Spike TV, realizes the value of UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) and they are willing to pay $100 million to keep the venue on its growing network.
MultiChannel reports that the new deal, which is expected to cost Spike in excess of $100 million, will allow the men’s-targeted network to keep its popular Ultimate Fighter reality series. The pact will also give Spike more live UFC events than the previous agreement, which expired at the end of last year.
Executives from Spike would not comment, and UFC executives could not be reached for comment at press time.
BJ Penn’s victory during Ultimate Fighter Finale 5 was a monumental event for both Spike TV and Sports911.com, which registered huge traffic numbers for inquiries related to BJPenn.com
Michael David Smith:
“Although there had been previous reports that either ESPN or HBO would make a big bid for UFC, Spike and UFC have had such a symbiotic relationship — especially in the way the reality show The Ultimate Fighter made both the channel and the sport more popular — that it makes sense for them to stay together.”
Make no mistake: UFC still makes most of its money from pay per view, and that won’t change, Smith added.
The UFC has provided yet another outlet for which gamblers can bet. During the month of June, Sports911.com experienced massive spikes in traffic as a result of its extensive UFC and Mixed Martial Arts coverage. Several fight cards were available during that month including the most popular (ironically not a UFC event), Kimbo Slice vs Frank Mercer.
