Can FOX TV Deal Bring MMA into the Mainstream?

The news that the UFC and Fox Sports have come to a deal is major news for the organization and for MMA.

While the UFC’s deal with Spike TV was great for the company, being featured on Fox could be even better for the UFC and MMA as a whole.

For the first time since Strikeforce Nashville, MMA will have the chance to be on network TV. What’s even better is that the UFC will have the chance to be featured on the same channels as the NFL, MLB and NASCAR—three of the biggest sports in the US today.

According to SportsBusinessDaily.com, the deal is set to begin in January, 2012 with the UFC airing four events per year on Fox.

This deal will bring a wider audience to MMA and give current fans even more chances to watch UFC fights.

Fox has done wonders with sports like baseball and football. MMA is another sport that could continue to rise on Fox.

Despite not continuing its relationship with Spike, the UFC has the company to thank for its rise.

In 2005, Spike TV struck gold when they featured the first seasons of the The Ultimate Fighter. The reality show featured up-and-coming MMA fighters competing for a chance to fight in the UFC.

The show’s finale brought light to the sport, as Forrest Griffin and Stephen Bonner fought in what many consider not only one of the greatest fights in MMA history, but one that saved the sport as well.

With the right set of fights, promotions and scheduling, the deal with Fox will produce even greater results for the UFC.

MMA is still a sport that is under the radar despite its growth over the past 10 years. The sport is also still very young.

The deal with Fox should make MMA more of a household name in the future.