FOX Sports 1 launch hosts nearly eight UFC hours, events set on Aug. 28, Sept. 4

The long-discussed launch of the all-sports network FOX Sports 1 is 100 days away, and the first day of programming will feature nearly eight hours of UFC programming. Additionally, the next two live events on the channel takes place Aug. 28 and Sept. 4.

FOX officials today announced plans for the Aug. 17 launch date of the new channel, and episodes of “UFC Ultimate Insider,” “UFC Unleashed” and “UFC Tonight” in addition to both preliminary and main-card bouts from the previously announced UFC on FOX Sports 1 1 event (which the channel is internally labeling “FOX UFC Saturday”) will feature during the launch.

“We’ve been working for months now, but a lot has come together in the time since we officially unveiled our plans for the launch of FOX Sports 1 in March,” FOX Sports exec Eric Shanks stated. “The programming schedule has been solidified, and we really come out of the gate incredibly strong from Day 1.”

FOX Sports 1 officially launches at 8 a.m. ET on Aug. 17 and opens with NASCAR coverage until 3:30 p.m. ET, when the coverage switches to UFC-related items for the next seven-and-a-half hours.

As previously reported, UFC on FOX Sports 1 1 takes place Aug. 17 at Boston’s TD Garden. The promotion has yet to officially announce any bouts for the card. A two-hour “FOX UFC Saturday Prelims” special airs at 6 p.m. ET, and a three-hour main-card broadcast of “FOX UFC Saturday” follows at 8 p.m. ET.

Locations and details have yet to be announced for the Aug. 28 and Set. 4 events. However, FOX officials revealed the Sept. 4 event will serve as the lead-in for “The Ultimate Fighter 18,” which debuts at 10 p.m. ET. UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey and challenger Cat Zingano serve as coaches.

FOX Sports 1, which was previously known as Speed. With the re-brand, the channel will serve as the new cable home of the UFC.

For the latest on UFC on FOX Sports 1 1, UFC on FOX Sports 1 2 and UFC on FOX Sports 1 3, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.