Showtime Networks and World championship mixed martial arts (MMA) event producer Strikeforce have joined forces to create an all-new series of MMA events that will air live on Showtime as part of the Showtime Sports franchise. The news was announced by Ken Hershman, SVP/GM, Sports and Event Programming, Showtime Networks, and Strikeforce Founder and CEO Scott Coker.
The multi-year agreement calls for Showtime to produce and televise up to 16 live events per year including Strikeforce world championship events as well as a series dedicated to showcasing up-and-coming fighters in the sport. The initial championship event is schedule for Saturday, April 11, 2009 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. The fight card will be announced at a later date.
The agreement reunites Showtime and Strikeforce following their "Shamrock vs. Baroni" event, presented by Showtime PPV in 2007.
