Strikeforce returns to CBS with 'Saturday Night Fights' on April 17 from Nashville

by Jesse Holland on Mar 2, 2010 5:37 PM EST

It's official.

After weeks of speculation, CBS and Strikeforce today announced that "Saturday Night Fights" will return to the airwaves with three world title fights from the Bridgestone Arena (formerly known as the Sommet Center) live on April 17 at 9:00 p.m. ET in Nashville, Tennessee.

The main event of the evening will feature current Strikeforce Middleweight Champion Jake Shields against former PRIDE champion and UFC import Dan Henderson.

From Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker:

"We are excited about returning to CBS primetime with a card featuring some of the top mixed martial arts fighters in the world, including three title fights and the Strikeforce debut of MMA legend, Dan Henderson. CBS has shown a tremendous commitment to furthering the sport of MMA on network television and we appreciate the home they have given Strikeforce to deliver world class cards for MMA fans everywhere."

Showtime Sports will produce the broadcast with host Gus Johnson calling the action and Strikeforce pillar Frank Shamrock and Mauro Ranallo serving as color analysts.

In addition to the main event title fight, the night will also include two additional championship bouts.

Surging light heavyweight prospect Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal will try and dethrone current Strikeforce 205-pound champion Gegard Mousasi while DREAM import Shinya Aoki answers the call of Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez.

From CBS Senior VP Kelly Kahl:

"When you have one event with three championship fights and this many top-ranked athletes, it's more than just a great card, it's a big night for MMA. Audiences are going to see a great range of mixed martial arts skills, styles and talent on one broadcast."

Tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, March 5.

For more information regarding the upcoming Strikeforce: "Nashville" event, keep it locked into MMAmania.com in the coming weeks. In the meantime, get up to speed on all the latest Strikeforce news by clicking here.

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Go MMA on TV!

IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS – There are a TON of fights on TV!
-————————————————————————————————————————————-
CBS and Showtime has Strikeforce.
HDnet has Sengoku, Dream, XFC, MFC, King of the Cage and K-1.
FSN has Bellator.
VS has WEC.
Spike has UFC.

Who-Hoo. M’er F’ers!!!!!!!

by Costello on Mar 2, 2010 10:18 PM EST reply actions

Please no Kevin Bacon Skeleton!

I am pumped for Strikeforce to be able to put up such a great card. However, I was repulsed by the Kevin Bacon look alike, the guy that looked like he is about to die. Not sure what his name is but I hope they do not bring him back. I feel sick thinking about him!

by DownUnder on Mar 3, 2010 4:16 AM EST reply actions