The Ultimate Fighting Championship has secured a major network deal. In a joint announcement today, UFC and FOX executives revealed a seven-year broadcast agreement that will include 36 live events per year including 24 new episodes of The Ultimate Fighter that will feature live fights on FX.
The landmark deal also includes six live UFC Fight Night events per year on the FOX-owned FX network, as well as two finale shows for seasons of TUF in 2012. Four live events per year will air on the FOX network itself, with the first card currently targeted for November 12th in Anaheim, California.
Leading all-female promotion Jewels announced a total of six fights today for its “16th Ring” card on September 11th in Tokyo, Japan. All four quarterfinal matchups in the Jewels Featherweight Queen Tournament are now set, and the winner of the grand prix will become the first Jewels champion at 48kg.
A welterweight bout between contenders Rick “The Horror” Story and Martin “The Hitman” Kampmann is in the works for UFC 139 on November 19th in San Jose, California. Both fighters will look to rebound from decision losses. Verbal agreements are in place for the bout, which was announced today.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts Rafael dos Anjos and Gleison Tibau will face off in a battle of lightweight contenders at UFC 139 on November 19th in San Jose, California. Both fighters have verbally agreed to the all-Brazilian matchup, which was officially announced by the promotion earlier today.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship made its way to the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin tonight for UFC Live On Versus 5: “Hardy vs Lytle.” The event was headlined by a welterweight bout between Dan “The Outlaw” Hardy and Chris “Lights Out” Lytle, who retired following the fight.
MMA Fight Pit showcased its debut event, “Genesis,” tonight from The Pit in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The card, which was the first mixed martial arts event to take place at the venue, was headlined by a light heavyweight bout between Houston “The Assassin” Alexander and “Razor” Razak Al-Hassan.
Olympic bronze medallist in judo “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey was victorious in her Strikeforce Challengers 18 debut tonight, though her win did not come without controversy. Rousey defeated Sarah “The Monster” D’Alelio with an armbar in just 25 seconds, but confusion followed as D’Alelio did not tap.
Strikeforce made its second appearance at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada tonight for Strikeforce Challengers 18. The lightweight main event featured UFC veteran Jorge “J.G.” Gurgel taking on California’s Joe Duarte in a matchup that was pivotal for both fighters’ Strikeforce careers.