(Pic via MiddleEasy)
Rejoice, fight fans, because the UFC has finally made it to network television. It was announced today in Los Angeles that the world’s premier MMA promotion will begin hosting live events on FOX beginning November 12th. And that’s just the beginning.
While following the live video stream of today’s UFC/FOX press conference, I — like every other MMA writer who wasn’t actually in the building — was intently monitoring people’s reactions on twitter and chipping in my own two cents when it seemed appropriate. So much information was released in the hour-long session that instead of transcribing the whole mess myself, I’ll just cherry-pick the most important bits that were coming through on our Freaks of the Industry feed. (Future of journalism, people.) All the good stuff is contained right here, so read on…
@stevecofield: UFC/FOX makes it official with a 10:02am PT press release. First event airs on Nov. 12 at 9pm ET. Spring 2012 TUF 15 on FX
@jordanbreen: You’ll never see another sport where so many people are excited for the symbolism of a guy from Newsradio wearing a jacket.
@benfowlkes: Fox cameramen apparently confused about the difference between GSP and Frankie Edgar. Rough start, but okay…
@mikechiappetta: FOX exec says TUF will move to Fridays. “We’ll literally own Friday nights,” he says.
@showdownjoe: From Spike: “The Ultimate Fighter” season 14 in September will be our last.”
@stevecofield: Dana White is giddy. “this was it for me. This is what I always wanted. This was always the pinnacle”
@jordanbreen: Someone throw a blazer on Dana. Please. People who dress themselves will understand.
@mmaweeklycom: TUF 15 will be taped week to week with the elimination fight shown live each Friday night on FX. #UFConFox
@maggiehendricks: The UFC already owns my Saturday nights, but now Fridays, too? MMA! The sport for shut-ins!
@showdownjoe: New promo airing right now for TUF…audience will now have a voice and select who will fight. I like it.
@thetomasrios: Just realized Pacquiao/Marquez 3 is Nov. 12th as well. That’s a very bold move for your network debut.
@5ozsofpain: Josh Gross and Dana White in the same room. This presser gets more monumental by the moment.
@stevecofield: @arielhelwani Asks about Nov 12 on FOX. Dana says it’ll be down in Anaheim. No card info yet. Seven yr deal.
@cagepotatomma: UFC programming like ‘Unleashed’ and ‘Prelims Live’ to appear on Fuel. Karyn Bryant was a big fan of ‘The Shield’.
@stevecofield: Richard Sandomir asks why this is such a big deal. David Hill makes a joke and Sandomir disappears.
[Ed. note: Sandomir is a New York Times reporter who asked Fox Sports CEO David Hill why he promoted this announcement as such a big deal. Hill: “So you’d call in.” Hill was firing brief, sardonic answers all day. Dude’s a character.]
@mmaweeklycom: Production will be run by the UFC, FOX will bring in their guys for the pre and post shows. #UFConFox
@stevecofield: Dana again confirming six UFC Fight Nights on FX and four big UFC cards on FOX. Plus 26 weeks of TUF live fights on FX
@maggiehendricks: Lorenzo says Fox caters to men, then the feed cuts out for me. Damn, @ufc, you really don’t want me around, huh?
@5ozsofpain: Also Loretta Hunt at the presser. Epicness continues.
@showdownjoe: Lorenzo stated that there will be championship fights on Fox, but not all will include champs.
@cagepotatomma: “No speedo fights anymore.”
@mmaweeklycom: The move for the UFC to Fox Latin America will be the driving force in the company having a show in Mexico #UFConFox
@mmaweeklycom: FX exec takes a shot at Spike TV regarding to the promotion of the ‘Ultimate Fighter’. They expect many more eyeballs on the show now #UFC
@5ozsofpain: Wide shot reminds us that Edgar, GSP, Rashad, and Chuck are still there. Would love to hear some questions towards them about the impact.
@showdownjoe: Dana just stated that there will be a new look and change to UFC ppv’s
@cagepotatomma: GLADIATOR OPENING IS GOING AWAY! HOLY SHIT!!!!!!
@jordanbreen: What are your favorite Gladiator Man memories? I always liked when he rubbed the sand between his hands to up the grip on his sword.
@cagepotatomma: “Try the wings.” – Joe Rogan #ufcfoxpressconference #lastwords