WSOF adds prospects-driven 'Future Champs' show to NBC Sports Network lineup

NBC Sports Network has expanded its World Series of Fighting programming beyond live events.

Officials from the cable channel and rookie fight promotion today announced the debut of “World Series of Fighting: Future Champs.”

The 30-minute show, which spotlights preliminary-card fights from past events, debuts Saturday at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT). A second episode is scheduled for April 26 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

“We are excited to take our partnership with NBC Sports Network to the next level and complement our live event programming with library fights featuring World Series of Fighting’s fast-growing roster of emerging, young stars and future champions,” WSOF President Ray Sefo stated. “‘The World Series of Fighting: Future Champs’ program will effectively give us the stage needed to build the star power of our best prospects by connecting them with a national audience that would not otherwise be able to see them in action on television.”

The first episode featured a 160-pound catchweight fight between Ozzy Dugulubgov (4-1) and Chris Wade (5-1). The second episode features a 150-pound catchweight bout between Brenson Hansen (4-1) and Tom Marcellino (4-2). Both fights initially took place March 23 at WSOF 2 in Atlantic City, N.J.

“Future Champs” is a solid showcase for WSOF’s lesser-known fighters. The extra promotion should help some of the better prospects get promotions to televised main cards for future events.

For complete coverage of WSOF 2, stay tuned to the MMA Events section of the site.