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Mixed Martial Arts Coming to Network TV

CBS takes plunge, with first two-hour special slated for April 26

By Caroline Zimmerman,  Newser User

Posted Feb 28, 2008 7:33 PM CST

(Newser) – CBS is juicing up its Saturday night prime-time programming with mixed martial arts, Variety reports. ProElite, a company that has worked with CBS cable sister Showtime, will produce the show, with a first airing aimed for April 26. With the coveted 18-to-34-year-old male demographic in its crosshairs, CBS plans to run four yearly MMA specials.

"This is a sport on the rise," one CBS exec said. "It's a lot more upscale than people realize."  Some worry the show will be too violent, but advocates argue that MMA are no rougher than football, Variety reports. Plus, "people who tune in know what they're getting," said the exec, who calls the deal "a perfect marriage."

Mixed martial arts fighters Wanderlei Silva, right, of Brazil, and Chuck Liddell face off during an official weigh-in ceremony at the Mandalay Bay hotel and casino in Las Vegas, Friday, Dec. 28, 2007, the day before a title fight. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Mixed martial arts fighters Wanderlei Silva, right, of Brazil, and Chuck Liddell face off during an official weigh-in ceremony at the Mandalay Bay hotel and casino in Las Vegas, Friday, Dec. 28, 2007,...   (Associated Press)
CBS is juicing up their Saturday night programming with mixed martial arts specials.
CBS is juicing up their Saturday night programming with mixed martial arts specials.   (Shutterstock)
Critics of the new CBS special warn the MMA may be too violent.
Critics of the new CBS special warn the MMA may be too violent.   (Shutterstock)
CBS is launching the mixed martial arts Saturday night special to up its viewers among the male 18-34 demographic.
CBS is launching the mixed martial arts Saturday night special to up its viewers among the male 18-34 demographic.   (Associated Press)
Tony Rodriguez, top, lands a punch to the face of Adam Lee during a fight on Friday, Dec. 14, 2007, in Carter Lake, Iowa. CBS plans to add two-hour specials spotlighting mixed martial arts, a sport that combines judo, boxing, karate, Muay Thai, kickboxing, tae kwon do, jiujitsu and wrestling,...
Tony Rodriguez, top, lands a punch to the face of Adam Lee during a fight on Friday, Dec. 14, 2007, in Carter Lake, Iowa. CBS plans to add two-hour specials spotlighting mixed martial arts, a sport that...   (Associated Press)
Demetrius Richards stands in the ring ready for a fight on Friday, Dec. 14, 2007, in Carter Lake, Iowa. CBS plans to add two-hour specials spotlighting mixed martial arts to its Saturday night prime-time schedule this spring. (AP Photo/Dave Weaver)
Demetrius Richards stands in the ring ready for a fight on Friday, Dec. 14, 2007, in Carter Lake, Iowa. CBS plans to add two-hour specials spotlighting mixed martial arts to its Saturday night prime-time...   (Associated Press)
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