UFC on Network TV: Dana Says Deal Within 6 Months; FOX Rumored to be Frontrunner



Last week in an interview with the Canada's The Score, when asked about the UFC following EliteXC onto network television, UFC President Dana White said "we'll have a network television deal very soon." When pressed for a time frame, White said within six months.

Update on UFC-FOX Negotiations



A quick follow-up on yesterday's story on negotiations between the UFC & FOX. MMAPayout.com has learned that the UFC is talking to FOX's entertainment division as opposed to its sports division. This was the company's same tack in negotiations with CBS & NBC. In theory, the promotion would enjoy greater editorial control as an entertainment property, which was reportedly a sticking point in its negotiations with HBO & CBS.

MMAPayout.com has learned that FOX is now widely believed to be the leading candidate to become the UFC's network television partner. Earlier this month White met with FOX executives in Los Angeles. While a deal with FOX is not believed to be imminent, industry sources have told MMAPayout.com that they believe the companies are making progress toward a deal.

In February MMAPayout.com reported that the network was rumored to have made a bid to buy the UFC during a round of negotiations earlier this year.

Last month MMAPayout.com reported that the UFC was involved in "extensive" discussions with ESPN. Sources tell MMAPayout.com, that the network has not made a decision on whether or not to get involved in MMA.

It should be noted that this is an unconfirmed report. As a result, it should be considered rumor or informed speculation at best. It also bears mentioning that the situation is fluid & can change quickly.

Glad to see they're getting a network deal in the works again. Smart move to go into the entertainment part to get more say in how its run because that's their main sticking point.

With EliteXC having the cable deal they gotta do something