As anticipated, UFC programming will become an integral part of FOX’s national multi-sport network, FOX Sports 1, which launches Saturday, Aug. 17, in over 90 million homes.
A live UFC event, currently dubbed “UFC on FSN 1 1,” is set for Aug. 17 in primetime. A second live FSN 1 event is planned for December, according to a FOX official.
Following FSN 1's launch and continuing throughout 2014, Wednesday nights will be a regular destination for UFC programming, including 14 live fight-night events also airing in primetime.
Programming such as “UFC Tonight,” which currently airs on FOX affiliate FUEL TV, and event re-airs will also air on Wednesday nights on FSN 1.
Additionally, FSN 1 will bolster the UFC’s pay-per-view schedule in late 2013 and 2014, airing 14 preliminary-card specials. The UFC promotes at least 12 pay-per-view events per year.
A FOX official said an announcement on FUEL TV’s future is forthcoming. The destination of additional preliminary-card programming is to be determined, but could air on FUEL TV or FOX.
Earlier this year, FOX announced plans to rebrand SPEED and FUEL TV as FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2.
FSN 1 programming will include college football, basketball, NASCAR and soccer, according to the release.
“Our ‘secret,’ admittedly a very poorly kept one, is now revealed,” stated FOX Sports COO Eric Shanks in a press release obtained today by MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). “Fans are ready for an alternative to the establishment, and our goal for FS1 is to provide the best in-game experience possible, complemented by informative news, entertaining studio shows and provocative original programming.”
For more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.
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