If you haven't heard yet, Mark Cuban's HDNet will put on MMA fights and show them on "HDNet Fights," adding to HDNet's list of MMA-related programming--they already have a show called "Friday Night Fights." According to sources, HDNet Fights will likely provide programming for this show. Cuban will also look to create a stable of fighters and has hired talent guru Guy Metzger to do his scouting. HDNet Fights' first event will be October 13 at American Airlines Center in Dallas.
If Mark Cuban is getting more involved in MMA, you know he thinks there's some serious money to be made in this space, and in this case, I'd definitely agree with him. The main draw for HDNet is the MMA content that they can create and provide. Through their TV channel they can distribute fights to a growing audience. If promoters are looking to release a DVD, Cuban's Magnolia Home Entertainment can help them. Cuban also owns a chain of movie theaters, Landmark Theaters, where he will probably look at broadcasting live fights.
That a boy Mark! Over a year ago, I discussed showing sports in movie theaters, and gave a few examples and challenges. Along with pro/college football and the NCAA basketball tournament, I'd say MMA fights have a great chance of attracting a large audience in movie theaters. People already pay to watch big MMA fights at local bars (at least where I live), so it's logical they'd want to watch fights at movie theaters, where the viewing experience is far superior than at sports bars.
Or maybe I'm all wrong about Cuban lining up MMA programming for HDNet because it will be profitable. Maybe he just feels like he has to do something manly after agreeing to be on this season's "Dancing with the Stars." Either way, it should be a good thing for HDNet. It will be interesting to see how the UFC reacts to HDNet and Cuban getting involved in this space.