Press Release
Jason “Mayhem” Miller (23-7) and Kazushi Sakuraba (26-13-1) are two of MMA’s most consummate showmen, known for their outrageous exploits in, out — and on the way to — the ring. Miller has idolized Sakuraba for 13 years, ever since the Japanese legend’s only appearance in the octagon at UFC Ultimate Japan 1. Now, Miller faces a dilemma: how do you beat up your idol? LIVE coverage of this event begins Friday night, September 24 at 11:00 p.m. PT on HDNet!
“He wants to be the first to submit Sakuraba and to do it he knows he’s going to have to beat up on someone he adores,” says HDNet commentator, Michael Schiavello. “That’s a tough spot to be in and it makes this fight really interesting. If push comes to shove, and ‘Mayhem’ has to put one of those violent beatings on Sakuraba like we’ve seen opponents do in the past, will he be able to do it? Or will there be that moment of doubt, when ‘Mayhem’ thinks twice about it, and allows Sakuraba to quickly get his heel or arm and get a submission?”
In other action, Gegard Mousasi (29-3-1) faces Tatsuya Mizuno (8-5) for the vacant DREAM Light Heavyweight Title, Shinya Aoki (24-5) meets Marcus Aureilo (20-8), Michihiro Omigawa (11-8-1, won 7 of last 8 ) takes on Cole Escovedo (16-5), and Joachim Hansen (19-10-1) squares off with Hideo Tokoro (26-22-1).
“From top to bottom, this looks to be one of the best cards you will see on TV this year,” said Andrew Simon, CEO of HDNet Fights. “You have three fighters who are ‘Top 10′ in their respective divisions (Aoki, Omigawa, and Mousasi) and ‘Mayhem’ is facing one of the legends in our sport. HDNet will broadcast ALL of the fights (including those yet to be announced) LIVE from Japan to HDNet subscribers. Get ready to stay up late with HDNet!”
“HDNet Fights: DREAM 16″ airs LIVE at 11:00 p.m. PT this Friday, September 24, 2010.
About HDNet
HDNet (www.hd.net) is the independent network with unique and thought-provoking content that appeals to men of all ages and is delivered in true high definition.
HDNet is the exclusive, high definition home for popular, original programming, including television’s only HD news feature programs “HDNet World Report,” and the Emmy Award winning “Dan Rather Reports,” featuring legendary journalist Dan Rather. Only HDNet goes beyond the headlines to deliver real news that is redefining the way we look at our world. HDNet News is provocative, sometimes controversial and always relevant – telling the important stories of our time in-depth, with attitude and with independence. HDNet is also the exclusive high definition home to critically acclaimed and award winning documentaries as part of the InFocus series. “NASA on HDNet” presents all live shuttle launches through 2010.
HDNet presents championship sports coverage featuring the best of Mixed Martial Arts with its Friday night series, “HDNet Fights” (www.hdnetfights.com). “HDNet Fights” works with leading MMA promoters including DREAM, Sengoku, King of the Cage, XFC, M-1, K-1, K-1 Max, MFC, Adrenaline and more. HDNet produces more live Mixed Martial Arts events than any other network and HDNet’s “Inside MMA” is the hottest Mixed Martial Arts program on television, giving MMA fans their weekly fix for everything MMA, while “Fighting Words with Mike Straka,” goes one-on-one with some of the biggest names in the sport. HDNet also features regular season games from the newly formed United Football League.
HDNet also delivers the world’s largest and most diverse concert line-up through the HDNet Concert Series. The HDNet Concert Series features leading artists and bands including Paul McCartney, Mariah Carey, John Mayer, Nickelback and more. HDNet also features revealing lifestyle programming featuring “Art Mann Presents,” “Girls Gone Wild,” “Deadline” and “Get Out!”
Only HDNet Movies (www.hdnetmovies.com) delivers exclusive Sneak Previews of new movies before they hit theaters. The HDNet Movies Sneak Preview series features top Hollywood stars in critically acclaimed performances including Gwyneth Paltrow, Joaquin Phoenix, Demi Moore, Michael Caine, Tom Hanks, Vera Farmiga, Parker Posey, Brian Cox, Matthew Broderick, Brittany Snow, Eric Bana, John Malkovich, Emily Blunt, Robin Williams, Charlize Theron and Kim Basinger.
In addition to being the exclusive home of Sneak Previews, HDNet Movies viewers enjoy the best films from the classics of the 1950s-1970s, to favorite films from the 1980s and 1990s, to recently released theatrical films.
HDNet Movies offers subscribers a premium movie viewing experience in true HD, and more original movies shot entirely in HD than any other network.
Launched in 2001 by Mark Cuban and General Manager Philip Garvin, the HDNet networks are available on AT&T U-verse, Charter, Comcast, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight, and Verizon FiOS.
The HDNet networks can be followed via Facebook at facebook.com/HDNet, facebook.com/HDNetFights and facebook.com/HDNetMovies and via Twitter at twitter.com/hdnet, twitter.com/hdnetfights and twitter.com/hdnetmovies.