Dana White Expects a New UFC TV Deal to in Place by the End of 2011

Bleacher Report’s Mike Hodges reports:While the UFC is in negotiations with Spike TV to discuss a new television deal, UFC president Dana White said he expects the new deal to be wrapped up in the near future. “We’re in negotiations right…

Bleacher Report’s Mike Hodges reports:

While the UFC is in negotiations with Spike TV to discuss a new television deal, UFC president Dana White said he expects the new deal to be wrapped up in the near future.

“We’re in negotiations right now, so we’re still talking,” White said during the UFC 130 post-fight press conference this past Saturday.

“Should be wrapped up in the next six months,” he added.

The UFC has developed a huge audience with Spike TV, and the hit reality show “The Ultimate Fighter” has brought the company to new heights in terms of popularity and television ratings. While Spike TV has been the home of the UFC since 2005, White said they need to explore all their options before finalizing a deal.

“We want to be with somebody we can grow with like we have with Spike. We’ve had a great relationship with Spike and done great things there, so hopefully we can figure things out,” he said.

And it looks like White is not just wasting his breath. The UFC boss said they are looking to expand their horizons, even if that means they land a deal with a major television network like NBC or CBS.