LAS VEGAS — The question was the buzz of the MMA Twitterverse on Saturday night: What happened to the World Series of Fighting undercard live stream?
Fans who have become accustomed to seeing every fight on every event were confused when the live stream of the event from Planet Hollywood cut out with three fights left on the undercard.
According to multiple sources close to the WSOF, the stream was stopped at the time by request of NBC Sports Network, which aired the main broadcast from Planet Hollywood live. With a first-time production, the television network wanted to have fights pre-taped and ready to air in case there were any glitches in the broadcast.
Two undercard fights, Brian Cobb’s decision win over Ronys Torres and Tyson Steele’s thrilling comeback victory over Gregor Gracie, were taped with commentary by the NBCSN broadcast duo of Todd Harris and Bas Rutten. Highlights of the Steele-Gracie bout aired for the telecast.
“NBC had the rights to the fights and that’s how they wanted to do it,” said WSOF president Ray Sefo. “I’m sorry if any fans were expecting to see the whole undercard. This was our first time through and we’re working to make it better every time out.”
They’ll have that chance Jan. 26 in Las Vegas, which Sefo said was the date and location for the next WSOF event. The venue is likely but not confirmed for Planet Hollywood. Sefo also said WSOF 3, date to be determined, would be taken out on the road.
One bout is official for the January event: Marlon Moraes, who defeated Miguel Torres on Saturday, will fight Tyson Nam.