Roundtables
ROUNDTABLE: What TV network would you like to see the UFC strike a deal with? Hansen, Amadi, Hobaugh, Hyden, Perez and Penick
Jun 6, 2011 - 8:30:04 PM ROUNDTABLE: What TV network would you like to see the UFC strike a deal with? Hansen, Amadi, Hobaugh, Hyden, Perez and Penick

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What TV network would you most want to see the UFC strike a deal with and why?

RICH HANSEN, MMATORCH COLUMNIST

I couldn't possibly care less what network the UFC winds up on.  As long as they wind up in HD on my DirecTV Choice+ package, I'm a happy camper, guy.  It's not like I own any Zuffa stock (not that there is such a thing...), so what do I care what channel they're on?  As long as I can find the fights, and as long as they have HD, I'm a happy camper, friend.  I'm not your friend, buddy.  I'm not your buddy, happy camper...

JASON AMADI, MMATORCH COLUMNIST

The UFC’s fanbase is so loyal that they’d likely follow them anywhere to get their next fix of “ultimate fighting,” so where the UFC ends up next isn’t nearly as much of an issue as the type of deal that they sign. When the UFC signed with Spike TV in 2005, the WWE was set to take “Monday Night RAW” back over to the USA Network, so Spike TV was willing to base all of their programming around the UFC. If the UFC doesn’t re-up with Spike TV at the end of the year, then they need to find another network that will do for them what Spike TV did for them in 2005.
 
Quite frankly, with as much content as the Zuffa puts out at this point, that isn’t going to be easy.

ERIC HOBAUGH, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

This is a tough question for me. I have always wondered why one of the big three networks have not jumped at the chance to have the UFC on their line up. I Think CBS would be a great choice. Strikeforce has been on the network already, so I think it is a good fit.  The network did a pretty good job of promoting MMA and the Strikeforce fights. This seems like the most obvious choice. Maybe Dana White has asked for some unrealistic things in his talks with the big networks. What other reason could exist for the UFC not to have landed a network deal?

FRANK HYDEN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

I think NBC would be a good choice. Any of the big four networks would be great for the UFC. As long as the network is available in a lot of homes, cable would be good, too. I just would like to see the UFC get a network home that would allow them to reach more people.

ANWAR PEREZ, MMATORCH COLUMNIST

In a complete dream world, I would absolutely love to see the UFC on ESPN.  That's THE sports network, and mixed martial arts is easily one of the top sports in the country.  Realistically?  Something along the lines of HBO would work.  They seem more hands off and would let the UFC continue to do things their way.  Between this development, and the sanctioning of mixed martial arts in New York are the two major steps needed to continue the climb to the top for the UFC.

JAMIE PENICK, MMATORCH EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The UFC wants to find a television partner that can provide them more than just one network of exposure, and that's why Versus as the rebranded NBC Sports could be a great fit. If they can strike a deal that puts them not only on that NBC Sports station, but also can expand their exposure to other NBC and Comcast-owned properties, and even possibly bring UFC fights to NBC itself, then it would be a huge, massive deal for the organization and the furthering of the sport to the masses in this country. But a deal with ESPN is always an intriguing option as well. If they could bring fights on a regular basis to the many ESPN properties, they'd also have the possibility of ABC as a network home for fights if they can strike that deal as well. Really, I hope to see them get a deal with the most widespread exposure possible, and no one network is truly a preference at this point.