Spike TV Announces 12 UFC Prelim Shows to Air in 2011 Starting with UFC 126

Spike TV has announced the plans for the UFC prelim shows on their network, with 12 total broadcasts set to air in 2011 beginning with UFC 126 on Feb 5.

To date the network has aired 13 prelim shows that started back with UFC 103 in 2009, averaging 1.5 million viewers per broadcast.

The latest installment of the UFC prelims on Spike will feature a key match-up in the UFC’s newly minted featherweight division, as well as a tough match-up in the 155lb weight class.

Chad Mendes takes on Japanese fighter Michihiro Omigawa in a featherweight bout with contender implications. Mendes has gone undefeated in his young MMA career, and he’s looking for a title shot in 2011. Meanwhile since dropping down to 145lbs, Michihiro Omigawa has become one of the top featherweights in the sport.

The other bout on the Spike TV prelim card will feature former WEC fighter Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone in his UFC debut against British product Paul Kelly.

Both fighters are known for exciting fights, and their bout at UFC 126 promises to be no different.

The prelims will air on Spike TV starting at 9pm ET on Saturday night, Feb 5 from Las Vegas, leading into the pay-per-view broadcast kicking off at 10pm ET.