Spike Wrestles UFC PPV Undercard Bouts

By R. Thomas Umstead
published

In a major coup for Spike TV and Ultimate Fighting Championship fans, Spike
TV said Friday it will air live undercard bouts from the mixed martial arts company's Sept. 19 UFC 103 pay-per-view event.

The commercial free telecast from Dallas will feature bouts between Ultimate Fighter 8 winner Efrain
Escudero and Ultimate Fighter 5 alum
Cole Miller; and a bout between Drew McFedries and Tomasz Drwal, said Spike TV. The arrangement marks the first time the network will air a fight-card without
commercial interruption.

"Providing an action-packed UFC pay-per-view, live and
commercial free, to our viewers on both coasts, further illustrates Spike TV
and the UFC's commitment to its fans," said Spike TV president Kevin Kay in a
statement.

The UFC 103 PPV event, which featues as its main event a
bout between former UFC light heavyweight champion Vitor Belfort and contender Rich
"Ace" Franklin,
retails at a suggested price of $44.99.

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.