HDNet to air live monthly King of the Cage events starting next month
Live monthly King of the Cage events are coming to HDNet.
The veteran mixed-martial-arts promotion, which has hosted hundreds of events around the globe, will begin airing monthly shows on the all-high-definition cable station next month as part of a three-year deal.
TV producer Mark Burnett, who owns part of KOTC, announced the partnership on Friday's new edition of "Inside MMA."
Burnett, who's extensive reality-show resume has earned 51 Emmy Awards nominations with shows ranging from "Survivor" to "The Apprentice," said the monthly events will be heavy on storylines. He, of course, is familiar with the concept when it comes to combat sports; his past projects have included the Jason "Mayhem" Miller-hosted "Bully Beatdown" on MTV and the popular boxing reality-competition show "The Contender."
Burnett and KOTC primary owner Terry Trebilcock will now apply the formula to live event broadcasts.
HDNet's first KOTC broadcast is a Feb. 12 "KOTC: Vengance" event that takes place at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Casino in Mescalero, N.M. Notable matchups include Rich Clementi vs. Anthony Lapsley, Travis Wiuff vs. Mike Kyle, and a trio of title fights.
It's the first of 36 live broadcasts set to air on HDNet.
MMAjunkie.com has also learned KOTC plans to host a March 26 event at the Silver Legacy Resort Casino in Reno. Assuming the Nevada State Athletic Commission approves the promotion's request, that event will also air on HDNet.
Many notables have come through the KOTC ranks to find success on MMA's biggest stages, including Diego Sanchez, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, Urijah Faber, Joey Villasenor, Joe Stevenson and others. Many big names still compete in the organization, which launched in 1998.
KOTC is the latest promotion to strike a deal with HDNet, which previously has hosted shows from organizations such as Strikeforce, Affliction Entertainment, DREAM, World Victory Road, Adrenaline MMA and Xtreme Fighting Championships.
Source: http://mmajunkie.com/news/17744/hdnet-t ... -month.mma