Goodbye FX, hello FOX Sports 1.
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is getting a new home under FOX Sports Media Group (FSMG) as the television network today (March 4, 2013) announced the debut of FOX Sports 1, which is set to launch on Saturday, August 17, 2013.
And it includes an all-new line up of mixed martial arts (MMA) programming.
Featured on Wednesday nights; live FIGHT NIGHTS through 2014, the first is scheduled for launch night, Saturday, Aug. 17; FOX event preliminary cards; UFC Tonight, the weekly authority for UFC news and information; 14 Saturday pay-per-view preliminary cards; hundreds of hours of library programs and events.
Sounds like a one-stop shop for all things UFC.
As part of the upcoming realignment, fight fans will ultimately say goodbye to the UFC on FX branded show, as the cable television network is dumping sports programming altogether. In addition, FUEL TV will eventually be re-branded as "FOX Sports 2."
What channel is it on? That's unknown at this time, but your cable or satellite provider is sure to have that info as we inch closer to launch.
And for those of you who don't like all the commercials in between breaks, FOX is also experimenting with the "double box" commercial format, "intended to keep viewers engaged throughout breaks." Now you can have your walkouts and watch them, too.
The best part? It's free! Just be sure to keep your calendar clear on Wednesday nights starting in August.