Bellator MMA has done some moving and shaking since its mixed martial arts (MMA) debut a few years back, and after settling in to its new home on Spike TV, it's time to head back to Friday nights, where it originally aired on MTV2.
Smart move.
While the promotion has enjoyed a lead in from TNA Impact Wrestling on Thursday nights (now home to "Rampage" Jackson), the last thing Bjorn Rebney and Co. want to do is try to go head-to-head with NFL football, which also returns this fall. Saturday nights? Out of the question.
Spike TV President Kevin Kaye tells SI.com why:
"I don't want to see Bellator going head to head with the UFC. I don't think that makes any sense for fans. No matter who would win in that scenario, you don't want to not give the fans the choice to watch both."
This fall is going to be a busy one for MMA fans.
In addition to Friday and Saturday nights, which will host live shows from Bellator and UFC, the new FOX Sports 1 network will also air UFC events on Wednesday nights, starting with "Kampmann vs. Condit 2" on Aug. 28, 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana (details here).
Get those DVRs ready.