MMA Reporter

The UFC will announce later today that Spike TV will air a one-hour, commercial free special showing some of UFC 103’s undercard fights prior to the Pay-Per-View. This will be the first time in the company’s history that undercard fights will be shown on TV prior to a pay-per-view.

It was previously reported by the Orange County Register that the UFC was planning a two-hour special, but it appears that report was wrong.

The Spike special will center around The Ultimate Fighter winner Efrain Escudero against Cole Miller, and will also feature Drew McFedries against Tomasz Drwal. I’m assuming other fights will be shown if time permits.

UFC 103 takes place on September 19th and is headlined by Rich Franklin against Vitor Belfort. The card also features Mirko Cro Cop vs. Junior Dos Santos, and a fight to determine Georges St. Pierre’s next title challenger between Mike Swick and Martin Kampmann.

However, UFC 103 is going head-to-head against the Floyd Mayweather vs. Juan Manuel Marquez boxing event, which is also on pay-per-view. This looks like an attempt by the UFC to gain some viewers for the prelim special that they hope will also buy the pay-per-view. No matter what the reasoning is, this is a great announcement for UFC fans.

From www.mmagroundnpound.com

Adolf Oliverbush

Dana continues to give back to the fans. Kudos Mr. White.

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Lets go Brent!

p-jersey

Didnt read the article just wanted to clarify that they will only be showing Escudero/Miller and Mcfedfries/Drwal. Not that i am complaing, free fights are free fights and it is a great move by the ufc.

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Denver, CO-Wrestling

clmetal

That'a a good idea - always wondered why they were expanding the undercards without showing. Perhaps for DVD sales and individual sales, but I can't imagine they make that much of an impact.

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"I don’t give a f_ck about money, bro. Believe me when I tell you that." Dana White