HDNET FIGHTS ANNOUNCES FIRST
BROADCAST PARTNERSHIP OF 2008
For
Immediate Release
Pete Spratt travels
to Canada to take on Ryan Ford - "HDNet
Fights Presents: Maximum Fighting Championship:
Rags to Riches"
DALLAS (January 30, 2008)
- HDNet Fights announced today that it has partnered
with Maximum Fighting Championship to present
a LIVE event from Canada on February 22. It
will be the first of three events in 2008 between
the two partners.
"We're excited to head to Canada to cover
this event," said Mark Cuban, president
and co-founder of HDNet. "Bringing this
live MMA action to our fans in Canada is a great
way for us to reward all of our viewers north
of the border."
"This partnership with
MFC helps to expand HDNet Fights outside the
U.S., and to bring new fighters into the fold,"
said Andrew Simon, CEO of HDNet Fights. "We're
looking forward to traveling to Canada to bring
our viewers this exciting event."
Mark Pavelich, Owner and
President of Maximum Fighting Championship,
said the relationship formed between his organization
and HDNet was exceptional and a perfect fit.
"Going into 2008, the
MFC was determined to find a strong television
arrangement to showcase our product," he
said. "
"The MFC has long been
one of the best live shows anywhere with an
energetic and entertaining atmosphere bolstered
by the most loyal fans in mixed martial arts.
Now with our partnership with HDNet Fights,
more fans can realize that experience."
Spratt, known for his vicious
knockouts - enters the contest after two consecutive
wins. The most recent was a TKO of Tristan Yunker
at "HDNet Fights: Reckless Abandon",
and prior to that was a KO of TJ Waldburger
at "HDNet Fights: Initiation Night"
"I fully expect to rip
him a new one," Spratt said. "I want
to finish his career before it starts."
The UFC veteran said he's
been training hard for this event - and since
Ford is new to MMA, he doesn't have an established
style so, Spratt doesn't know what to expect.
In addition, returning to Canada doesn't bring
pleasant memories for Spratt. On previous trips,
he's been bogged down with paperwork, and experienced
visa and border entry troubles. Not to mention,
a loss to UFC Interim Welterweight Champion
George St. Pierre in November 2003 in Canada.
Spratt said there is no comparison
between his bout with St. Pierre and his upcoming
match.
"George St. Pierre was
good," he said. "Ryan Ford ain't no
good."
Ford carries an unblemished
record into the ring. He most recently fought
at MFC 14 where he finished off Mike Sorenson
via TKO in the first minute of the second round.
About HDNet Fights
HDNet Fights (www.hdnetfights.com) is one of
the leading Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) organizations
in the country. Founded by Mark Cuban, HDNet
Fights promotes, produces and airs over 24 live
MMA events annually for broadcast on HDNet.
HDNet Fights is unique as a unifying force in
the MMA industry partnering with leading promoters,
including M1, Sportfight, IFL, Ring of Combat
and others to offer the quality match-ups and
productions that MMA fans demand.
Founded in 2007, HDNet Fights
is led by CEO Andrew Simon while company operations
are handled by Dallas MMA legend and former
UFC champion, Guy Mezger.
HDNet (www.hd.net) is the
home for HDNet Fights and is the leader in offering
live MMA broadcasts and the leading news and
information show for MMA fans, "Inside
MMA".
In addition, HDNet provides
viewers with the best in original news, sports,
music and entertainment programming. From "Dan
Rather Reports", to championship sports
coverage from the NHL, NASCAR and Major League
Soccer to "Guys Night In" every Friday
and the HDNet Concert Series every Sunday, HDNet
offers great programming with the world's best
picture quality.
Launched in 2001 by Mark
Cuban and General Manager and COO Philip Garvin,
the HDNet networks are available on AT&T,
Bright House Networks, Charter Communications,
DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight, Mediacom, Time
Warner Cable, Verizon and more than 40 NCTC
cable affiliate companies. For more information
visit www.hd.net.
About Maximum Fighting Championship
The Maximum Fighting Championship is Canada's
leading promotion for the world's fastest-growing
sport of mixed martial arts.
Mark Pavelich created the
Maximum Fighting Championship and has breathed
life into it ever since to the point of it becoming
a true standout in the world of mixed martial
arts promotions.
Since its inception in 2001,
the MFC has been a true success story with tremendous
support from the fans as they have sold out
venues in Edmonton, where the MFC headquarters
are located. The MFC will be bringing its flair
to more fans soon with shows planned for U.S.
and other destinations in Canada.
The MFC will continue
to put on exciting and dynamic events in the
future. The Maximum Fighting Championship is
one of the leaders in mixed martial arts in
North America today and will continue to bring
mixed martial arts into people's homes around
the world.