Showtime to Offer More Strikeforce MMA Fights

NEW YORK: Showtime Networks has reached a broadcast agreement with championship mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion company Strikeforce for the network to produce and televise up to eight live events.

Beginning on Showtime’s Free Preview Weekend, January 7, Luke Rockhold defends the Strikeforce title against Keith Jardine, to air in more than 60 million households across Showtime, Showtime HD and Showtime on Demand. Showtime will also televise undercard fights for all Strikeforce events live on Showtime Extreme. Under the new deal, the World Grand Prix Heavyweight Tournament champion will be determined when Josh Barnett battles Daniel Cormier.

“Since its advent on Showtime in 2007, live mixed martial arts has always performed well with our subscribers, particularly in the younger demographics,” said Stephen Espinoza, the executive VP and general manager of Showtime Sports. “As the one and only premium network in the MMA business, we are proud to renew our commitment to the sport and to our partners at Strikeforce. This agreement ensures that we can continue to deliver the edge-of-your-seat programming that each live MMA event produces in the New Year and beyond.

He continued, “This exciting announcement could not have come at a better time. During our nationwide Free Preview Weekend a whole new crop of MMA fans will have the opportunity to sample the Strikeforce brand free of charge.”

“We’re excited about this renewal with Showtime and I expect to put on some big Strikeforce events next year,” added Dana White, the president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. “I never thought I would say this, but I am very much looking forward to building Strikeforce and working very closely with Showtime.”

“Showtime has been a great TV partner for us and we’re happy to renew our agreement with them,” commented Scott Coker, the CEO of Strikeforce. “Together, we’ve put on some really amazing events and we’re going to keep doing that with this new deal. We have a great core of talented fighters on our roster and MMA fans are in for a real treat.”