Breaking news from the "Had to see this coming" department of our newsroom, Spike TV officials today (Aug. 18, 2011) released a statement regarding its broadcast deal with Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
In short, Dana and Lorenzo are out, Allen and Ton are in:
"The Ultimate Fighter" season 14 in September will be our last. We are increasing our commitment to distinctive, original series that we own such as "Auction Hunters" and "Bar Rescue" which are delivering on our goal to reach a broader audience. Our 6-year partnership with the UFC has been incredibly beneficial in building both our brands, and we wish them all the best in the future.The cable television network has long been synonymous with mixed martial arts programming following the promotion's breakout hit, "The Ultimate Fighter" (TUF), back in 2005.
Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar, season one finalists, slugged their way into the televised history books while kick-starting a revolution in the fight game. UFC on reality TV.
The current deal between UFC and Spike is set to expire at the end of the year and after negotiations broke down (Spike reportedly refused to pay the promotion's increased licensing fee), other networks were scouted as possible destinations.
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