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As the universe of cable networks expands, there is seemingly a channel for every interest. Sports fans can tune in to networks devoted to baseball, hockey, football and various other sports. In this climate, it's only natural that MMA fans have a headquarters for their sport. That is the role Mark Cuban's HDNet seeks to fill, by featuring a variety of MMA shows for the hardcore fan.
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While Spike TV and the Versus Network are built heavily around UFC and WEC programming, HDNet is different in the variety of MMA programming it features. HDNet has promised over 24 live MMA events this year, including events from prominent organizations such as the IFL and Strikeforce.
Andrew Simon, the CEO of HDNet Fights, feels the sheer volume of MMA programming provided by HDNet is a major selling point for the network.
"HDNet is the home of MMA," Simon said, "as there is no other network that even comes close to 24 events live annually."
HDNet has been aggressive in reaching deals to broadcast shows from a variety of MMA promotions. One of the remaining major promotions that could air on HDNet is Japanese-based Dream. HDNet is in negotiations with Dream, a promotion that pairs many of the key MMA players in K-1 and the old Pride organization.
When HDNet Fights was founded, the promotion ran a pair of events in Dallas. Since then, the promotion has centered on partnerships with other promotions. HDNet airs the events and also places fighters such as Frank Trigg and Jason Miller. It's a smart strategy by HDNet, which gets the programming it needs while leaving the financial risks of MMA promotion largely to other promotions.
While HDNet Fights hasn't run an event in 2008, Andrew Simon said future events are probable.
"We will promote big events when the timing and opportunity is right," Simon said. "HDNet Fights' first event was in October 2007 and we have been working nonstop since then to become a major force in the industry."
One such event could be a July 19 show featuring former UFC heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia against former Pride heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko. Simon wouldn't comment on the reported fight, but said news is likely to break on HDNet in the near future.
HDNet has the gift and the curse of being available only in high definition. The positive of the medium is that the enhanced picture brings greater excitement to the MMA fan. The negative is that it is still a growing technology, and only a relatively small percentage of American homes have HD at this point. As HD grows in popularity, HDNet is likely to gain additional clearances and viewership.
Perhaps the most successful calling card of HDNet's MMA programming is the popular Inside MMA show. Hosted by Bas Rutten and Kenny Rice, the weekly show runs down all the happenings in mixed martial arts with a format similar to HBO's long-running Inside the NFL.
Inside MMA was initially 30 minutes, but quickly grew to 60. "After a few episodes it was clear that the show should be expanded to an hour," Simon noted. "Fans loved it and with three guests each week, there wasn't enough time to let everyone have their say and feature all the news that happens in MMA every week."
One of the assets of the show is that it covers all MMA organizations. While programming from UFC or Elite XC centers almost exclusively on those organizations, Inside MMA intends to cover all in MMA.
