Spike TV today announced that it will once again air a portion of an upcoming Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fight card on its network prior to a major pay-per-view (PPV) broadcast.

Fans will be treated to one hour of uninterrupted mixed martial arts competition at 9 p.m. ET on Oct. 24 when Ryan Bader takes on Eric Schafer in a light heavyweight showdown and heavyweights Antoni Hardonk and Pat Barry collide on the UFC 104: "Machida vs. Shogun" under card.

Similar to UFC 103 last month, which attracted 1.4 million viewers during the network's trial run with the idea, it will air commercial-free and possibly showcase additional prerecorded action if time permits. It will lead into the PPV telecast at 10 p.m., which will be available for purchase at $44.95.

UFC 104 features the first title defense for undefeated light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida against fellow Brazilian Mauricio "Shogun" Rua in the main event of the evening. In addition, rising talent Cain Velasquez and veteran Ben Rothwell will "wage war" in a super-sized heavyweight showdown.

To check out the latest UFC 104 fight card click here.

Remember that MMAmania.com will provide LIVE blow-by-blow, round-by-round coverage of UFC 104, beginning with the Spike TV telecast. In addition, we will deliver up-to-the-minute quick results of all the under card action on fight night.