EDIT: Dana White's major announcment - WEC & UFC Merger

weemcd · 28-10-2010 2:01pm #1

Dana White’s “major announcement” revealed, UFC set to start their own network TV channel

http://www.mmabay.co.uk/2010/10/28/dana-white%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%9Cmajor-announcement%E2%80%9D-revealed-ufc-set-to-start-their-own-network-tv-channel/

It appears the cat is out of the bag ahead of UFC President, Dana White’s “major announcement” tomorrow after it was revealed on ESPN that the promotion is set to start their own television network.

ESPN’s popular award winning show “Pardon The Interruption” made the announcement earlier today, something that’s set to raise the ire of Dana who was said to be keen on keeping his cards close to his chest ahead of tomorrow

Anyone believe this? If so what does it mean for MMA coverage, could we see more comprehensive UFC, Ultimate Fighter coverage in this country along with WEC? Does this monopolise UFC in a way this is negative for the sport in general? Does this mean a separate subscription now instead of having ESPN or would it be included as a bundle?

/EDIT TO NO SUPRISE TO ANYONE WEC AND UFC ARE MERGING, AND THIS WAS THE BIG ANNOUNCMENT

http://uk.ufc.com/news/UFC-Adds-Featherweight-and-Bantamweight-Divisions

SDTimeout · 28-10-2010 2:02pm

That's big.

No idea what it means for us though.

mmabay though... and Dana recently said they were talking to various networks.

Minstrel27 · 28-10-2010 2:07pm

weemcd wrote: »

Anyone believe this? If so what does it mean for MMA coverage, could we see more comprehensive UFC, Ultimate Fighter coverage in this country along with WEC? Does this monopolise UFC in a way this is negative for the sport in general? Does this mean a separate subscription now instead of having ESPN or would it be included as a bundle?

I would be very surprised if this wasn't for North America only.

dave1982 · 28-10-2010 2:08pm

renuns of TUF shows, fight nights, ppvs, pride shows, old wec shows...

new content... weekly news show or 2, maybe a new type of tuf show... the odd fight night..

SDTimeout · 28-10-2010 2:10pm

Ariel Helwani will be leaving the online circuit then i assume. Has to be a bang on pick to present SOMETHING.

weemcd · 28-10-2010 2:20pm

Forgot UFC own the rights to PRIDE, that would be fantastic, as long as they get Rachelle Leah presenting something i'll tune in. May not see any of it on these shores though.:cool:

Professey Chin · 28-10-2010 2:22pm

SDTimeout wrote: »

That's big.

No idea what it means for us though.

mmabay though... and Dana recently said they were talking to various networks.

it came from ESPN.They just picked up the story.Its on a few sites

seadnamac · 28-10-2010 2:33pm

It will be for North America only in my opinion. I imagine it will be like NFL Network for any of you who are NFL fans, which includes heavy advertising and sponsored segments which prevents it from airing over here.