Mixed Martial Arts Force Is With Showtime Again

By
published

Showtime is getting back into the mixed martial arts ring.

The premium channel has teamed with MMA event producer Strikeforce to create a series of events that will air live on Showtime beginning April 11.
The multi-year agreement calls for Showtime to produce and televise up to 16 live events per year including Strikeforce world championship events as well as a series dedicated to showcasing up-and-coming fighters in the sport.
Last October, Showtime and MMA company Elite XC shut down operations after two years of producing regular events for distribution on the premium channel as well as broadcast network CBS and pay-per-view.
"Strikeforce has a history of presenting high-quality, compelling mixed martial arts events and we are thrilled to be able to bring their world-class events to our subscribers," said Ken Hershman, senior vice president and general manager, sports and event programming, Showtime Networks said in a statement.

R. Thomas Umstead
R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.