HDNet announced a long term deal with “It’s Showtime,” Europe’s leading kickboxing promotion provided by Fighting Spirit, the international fight sport programming distributor. “It’s Showtime” will make its HDNet debut with “HDNet Fights: It’s Showtime Lyon” on Friday, May 20 at 11:00 p.m. ET – immediately following the network’s broadcast of “The Voice vs. Hulk Hogan.”

In the main event of the evening, Badr Hari makes his much anticipated return to the ring against Tony Gregory. Plus, Tyrone Spong and K-1 MAX Champion Giorgio Petrosyan will also be in action.

Founded in 1998, “It’s Showtime” is known for attracting the biggest names in kickboxing and drawing some of the largest crowds in combat sports – regularly packing over 20,000 fans inside the Amsterdam Arena.

In 2011, the promotion will present ten events for HDNet from venues across Europe including the recently announced, “It’s Showtime- Fast & Furious 70 Max” grand prix on September 24 in the Forest National in Brussels, Belgium. Elite 70kg fighters participating in this prestigious one night tournament include Giorgio Petrosyan, Andy Souwer, Artur Kyshenko, Gago Drago, Murat Direkçi, Chris Ngimbi, Harut Grigorian and Pajunsuk Superpro Samui.

Fighting Spirit is an international media rights agency based in France and is the only worldwide company that specializes in the management, brand development, and distribution of combat sport TV programs. Its portfolio includes a full range of combat sport programs from wrestling with CMLL Lucha Libre, to MMA with TKO Major League and Cage Rage, going through documentaries, Reality TV shows such as Enfusion, and live events of It’s Showtime – The World Championships of Kickboxing.

“I am excited to announce that ‘It’s Showtime’ is coming to HDNet,” said Andrew Simon, CEO of HDNet Fights. “The addition of ‘It’s Showtime’ solidifies HDNet’s position as THE PLACE to watch the best strikers and stand-up action in combat sports today.”

“It is a real privilege to collaborate with HDNet. ‘It’s Showtime’ is now the number one kickboxing promotion and one of the top brands in the universe of Fighting. With this program, HDNet shows its willingness to delight American martial arts fans with top fight shows,” said Simon Rutz, CEO of “It’s Showtime.”

This week’s announcement that Forza, LLC, a subsidiary of Zuffa, LLC (which owns the Ultimate Fighting Championship brand) purchased Strikeforce has stunned the mixed martial arts community.  The move is arguably the most significant development in the sport since Zuffa’s acquisition of PRIDE in 2008, and solidifies Zuffa’s position as the largest MMA company in the world.

This week’s “Inside MMA” covers all the angles on this major breaking news story, including interviews with all the principals involved in the deal.

First, Mike Straka talks to UFC President Dana White about the acquisition and what it means for the sport then Bas Rutten and Strikeforce President Scott Coker discuss how the deal came together and where the promotion will go from here.

Also, Ron Kruck takes a look back at the two organizations and gathers reaction from the fighters about what this consolidation will mean for them.

“Inside MMA” is committed to giving viewers more insight into the top stories than any other outlet,” said Andrew Simon, CEO of HDNet Fights. “Bas’ exclusive interview with Scott Coker goes deeper than anything you have seen so far.  You’ve read the headlines and heard the sound bites, now tune in this Friday to go inside the story and find out what it means for the fighters, fans and the sport.”

“Inside MMA” airs this Friday night at 9:00 p.m. ET on HDNet.

And, HDNet will post a special ONLINE ONLY edition of “Inside MMA” which will be available at http://www.hd.net/blogs/2011/03/inside-mma-511/ immediately following the telecast.  Dominick Cruz, Phil Baroni, and Trevor Whitman will join Kenny and Bas to breakdown UFC 128, plus Ron Kruck has comments from Jon Jones and Shogun Rua.

HDNet, “Your Home for MMA” presents more LIVE events than any other network, and this Friday is no exception as “Shark Fights” makes its debut on the network presenting a solid card from top to bottom.

In the main event of the evening middleweight contender Danillo Villefort (12-3) meets UFC veteran and former IFL Middleweight Champion Matt Horwich (26-17-1). Villefort is riding a three fight winning streak with two (T)KOs during that stretch. Horwich is coming off a victory over Jake Rosholt.

Two of the top ranked women fighters in the world take center stage in the co-main event. The bout between Tara LaRosa (19-2) and Carina Damm (15-5) has literally been years in the making. The rivalry dates back to their time in Bodog Fights three years ago and the bad blood has continued ever since. Damm believes she was disrespected by LaRosa in the past and she is anxious for the chance to finally settle their differences in the cage.

Lucas Lopes (19-11) vs. Mike Bronzouliz (10-2), Alex Cisne (5-1) vs. Eric Davila (18-10), and Sean Shakour (3-0) vs. Joseph Sandoval (4-0) rounds out the main card.

“I am excited to introduce ‘Shark Fights’ to HDNet fans,” said Andrew Simon, CEO of HDNet Fights. “Everyone knows that we broadcast the best action from Asia and Europe, so it was time to bring in some great, live US fights on Friday night.”

The event is part of five hours of original MMA programming on HDNet this Friday night including:

• “HDNet Fights Vault” at 8:00 p.m. ET – featuring “Sengoku 9 Featherweight GP Final”
• “Fighting Words with Mike Straka” at 8:30 p.m. ET – featuring the UFC’s ring girls
• “Inside MMA” at 9:00 p.m. ET – featuring Rich Franklin, Tim Kennedy, and Thomas Denny
• “HDNet Fights: Shark Fights 14″ LIVE at 10:00 p.m. ET

The Ultimate Fighting Championship announced that tickets for UFC 129: ST-PIERRE vs. SHIELDS at Rogers Centre in Toronto on April 30 sold out minutes after being made available to the public. Rogers Centre was originally configured for 42,000 seats, but due to overwhelming demand, UFC and Rogers Centre officials reconfigured the venue to accommodate 55,000.

UFC 129: ST-PIERRE vs. SHIELDS, which is presented by TapouT, is the first major mixed martial arts event to ever be held in Ontario. The event doubles the largest gate and attendance records in UFC history. The previous gate record for a UFC event was $5.4 million, which was set on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2006 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas for UFC 66: LIDDELL vs. ORTIZ 2. UFC 124: ST-PIERRE vs. KOSCHECK 2, held at the Bell Centre in Montreal on Dec. 11, 2010, previously held the attendance record with over 23,000 fans.

With two UFC records already shattered, UFC 129 is also the largest single-day event gate in the history of Rogers Centre, which has played home to some of the world’s top entertainment and sporting events.

“UFC continues to set new milestones,” UFC President Dana White said. “We’ve sold 55,000 tickets in our first stadium event in Toronto and we continue to take the UFC to the next level.”

“Based on the lightning quick sell-out, there is no doubt that UFC’s fan base is extremely passionate,” said Silvio D’Addario, VP Events, Rogers Centre.  ”We’ve worked closely with UFC to configure our venue to provide the best fan experience possible and we look forward to hosting this historic event.”

While UFC 129 is sold out, tickets for the UFC Fan Expo at the Direct Energy Centre in Toronto on April 29-30 are still available at www.ufcfanexpo.com. Featuring the largest collection of UFC fighters ever to appear in one location, exciting special events, interactive Q&A sessions, meet and greets, training and development sessions, the Octagon, and much more, the UFC Fan Expo is a can’t-miss event for UFC fans.

Tequila CAZADORES and UFC invited fans (21+) to decide the Tequila CAZADORES Spirit Award winner for UFC 123.  Consumers had the opportunity to vote online at UFC.com for the fighter they thought demonstrated social responsibility, dedication to their art form, and good sportsmanship; the core values behind the Tequila CAZADORES brand and its sponsorship with UFC.

Miguel’s win was announced LIVE on February 5, 2011 , at UFC 126 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada as well as on Pay-Per-View during the fighter’s walk out to the Octagon™.  Tequila CAZADORES congratulates Miguel on his win and would like to thank the increasingly growing number of fans for voting and supporting the Tequila CAZADORES Spirit Award.

A graduate of Purdue University, Miguel Angel Torres has a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and specializes in Muay Thai Kick Boxing.  Prior to his career in Mixed Martial Arts, he worked as a Radiologist’s assistant for five years.  His experience working in a hospital setting inspired Miguel to raise awareness for breast cancer.  As the winner of the Tequila CAZADORES Spirit Award, Tequila CAZADORES presented Miguel with a plaque and a check for a $1,000 donation made in his name to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

“Miguel’s work-ethic in and out of the Octagon are an inspiration to us at Tequila CAZADORES,” said Fannie Young, vice president and brand managing director, Tequila CAZADORES,  ”Miguel’s dedication to his craft and strong, competitive spirit make him the perfect recipient of this award.  We are proud to honor such a talented fighter who embodies the core values of our brand.”

Tequila CAZADORES is the Official Spirit Sponsor of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).  UFC is the world’s leading professional mixed martial arts organization (MMA) that offers a premier series of MMA sporting events.  The Tequila CAZADORES Spirit Award is an honor that is presented to the UFC fighter who best exemplifies social responsibility, commitment to the MMA art form, or good sportsmanship.  Each month the winning fighter is presented with a plaque and a $1,000 check from Tequila CAZADORES to the fighter’s charity of choice.

Past winners of the Tequila CAZADORES Spirit Award are:

• Forrest Griffin – May 23, 2009
• Rich Franklin – June 15, 2009
• Randy Couture – July 13, 2009
• Kenny Florian  – Aug. 7, 2009
• Nate Marquardt – Aug. 28, 2009
• Tito Ortiz – Sept. 19, 2009
• Brandon Vera – Oct. 23, 2009
• Cain Velasquez – Nov. 20, 2009
• Frank Mir – Dec. 11, 2009
• Brian Stann – Feb. 5, 2010
• Brian Stann (culmination award) – March 25, 2010
• Diego Sanchez – May 27, 2010
• Kurt Pellegrino – July 1, 2010
• Clay Guida – Aug. 4, 2010
• Kenny Florian – Aug. 28, 2010
• Matt Serra – Sept. 25, 2010
• Brendan Schaub – Oct. 21, 2010
• Tim Boetsch – November 20, 2010
• Miguel Angel Torres – February 5, 2011

In front of assembled media and fans at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, White broke the news that former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and UFC Hall of Fame member Chuck Liddell, a true pioneer and legend in the sport, is retiring from competing in the UFC.

White’s announcement however, was not about the end of a career, but rather just a change in Liddell’s future, because White also announced that Liddell is UFC’s new Executive Vice President of Business Development.

“Chuck is the perfect example of a UFC athlete, someone who is smart inside the Octagon and smart in business,” White said. “With his background and expertise, Chuck is exactly the guy we need to work with regulators in existing and new jurisdictions, and work with all of the UFC athletes, as we grow this business around the world.

“Many people helped get us to where we are today,” White continued. “But there has been one guy that really stands out, as a great fighter, a great champion, a great partner, and a great friend.  So I am thrilled to announce that Chuck is now one of our top executives.”

At today’s live press conference for UFC 125, Liddell took to the podium to express his gratitude for the support shown by the UFC, his fans, family, and friends during his career. He also spoke of his desire to make an immediate impact in his new role by helping UFC continue its global expansion.

“I love the sport and I’m excited to go into a new stage in my life and keep promoting something that I love,” Liddell said. “I’ve enjoyed everything about being a professional athlete and a UFC champion. At this point in my life though, the real challenge for me is to continue helping the UFC become the global powerhouse that we all know it will become. I look forward to working with everyone at the UFC, especially all of the fighters, to make the UFC the biggest and most successful sports organization.”

UFC Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta noted that Liddell’s duties will include work on fighter relations and government regulation throughout the U.S. and internationally, but that Liddell’s main focus would be on developing new business for the company.

Liddell began fighting in the UFC in 1998 and is a legend in MMA with a career that has included a stellar run as a world class athlete, gym owner, trainer, and Coach on Seasons 1 and 11 of The Ultimate Fighter.  In addition, Liddell graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with an Accounting degree.  So, Liddell’s combination of business acumen and athlete spirit makes him perfectly suited to work at UFC, the fastest growing sports organization in the world.

The announcement marks the first time UFC prelims will air live and free on network television. The action kicks off this Saturday with three explosive fights featuring Phil Baroni vs. Brad Tavares in a middleweight contest, Josh Grispi vs. Dustin Poirier in featherweight action and Marcus Davis vs. Jeremy Stephens in a highly-anticipated lightweight clash.

By airing live prelim fights on network television, Saturday’s UFC 125 prelims will reach almost 100 million U.S. households.

“I am excited for our fans because I’ve been looking for ways to broadcast UFC prelims free and to as many homes as possible,” UFC President Dana White said. “ION is the largest broadcast television station group in the U.S. and this deal will put the UFC prelims in almost 100 million homes.”

To find ION Television in your area, visit http://www.iontelevision.com/.

UFC 125: RESOLUTION is headlined by UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar, as he defends his crown against the only man to beat him, unbeaten No. 1 contender Gray Maynard. Plus, always exciting middleweight contender Chris Leben looks to extend his hot streak against “All-American” Brian Stann, and all-action Clay Guida takes on Japanese icon Takanori Gomi.

UFC 125: RESOLUTION will be available live on Pay-Per-View this Saturday at 10pm ET/7pm PT on iN DEMAND, DirecTV, DISH Network, Avail-TVN, BellTV, Shaw Communications, Sasktel, and Viewer’s Choice Canada for a suggested retail price of $44.99 US/$49.99 CAN for Standard Definition and $54.99 US/$59.99 CAN for High Definition.

For more information, or current UFC fight news, visit UFC.com.

Tequila CAZADORES and UFC invited fans (21+) to decide the Tequila CAZADORES Spirit Award winner for UFC 123.  Consumers had the opportunity to vote online at UFC.com for the fighter they thought demonstrated social responsibility, dedication to their art form, and good sportsmanship; the core values behind the Tequila CAZADORES brand and its sponsorship with UFC.

Tim’s win will be announced LIVE on November 20, 2010, at UFC 123 in Auburn Hills, Minnesota as well as on Pay-Per-View® during the fighter’s walk-out to the Octagon.  Tequila CAZADORES congratulates Tim on his win and would like to thank the increasingly growing number of fans for voting and supporting the Tequila CAZADORES Spirit Award.

Prior to pursuing a career in mixed martial arts, Tim Boetsch earned a degree in Criminal Justice from Lock Haven University. He made his living as a social worker in which he assisted adolescents with behavioral issues. Tim strongly believes that every adolescent should have a chance to succeed in life and is dedicated to helping them achieve their dreams. As the winner of the Tequila CAZADORES Spirit Award, Tequila CAZADORES presented Tim with a plaque and a check for a $1,000 donation made in his name to the charity of his choice.

“We congratulate Tim Boetsch for his commitment to giving back to his local community and his competitive spirit in the Octagon™” said Fannie Young, vice president and brand managing director, Tequila CAZADORES. “Tim’s dedication towards his craft and community make him the perfect recipient for the Tequila CAZADORES Spirit Award”.

Tequila CAZADORES is the Official Spirit Sponsor of Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®). UFC is the world’s leading professional mixed martial arts organization (MMA) that offers a premier series of MMA sporting events.  The Tequila CAZADORES Spirit Award is an honor that is presented to the UFC fighter who best exemplifies social responsibility, commitment to the MMA art form, or good sportsmanship. Each month the winning fighter is presented with a plaque and a $1,000 check from Tequila CAZADORES to the fighter’s charity of choice.

Past winners of the Tequila CAZADORES Spirit Award are:

• Forrest Griffin – May 23, 2009
• Rich Franklin – June 15, 2009
• Randy Couture – July 13, 2009
• Kenny Florian  – Aug. 7, 2009
• Nate Marquardt – Aug. 28, 2009
• Tito Ortiz – Sept. 19, 2009
• Brandon Vera – Oct. 23, 2009
• Cain Velasquez – Nov. 20, 2009
• Frank Mir – Dec. 11, 2009
• Brian Stann – Feb. 5, 2010
• Brian Stann (culmination award) – March 25, 2010
• Diego Sanchez – May 27, 2010
• Kurt Pellegrino – July 1, 2010
• Clay Guida – Aug. 4, 2010
• Kenny Florian – Aug.  28, 2010
• Matt Serra – Sept. 25, 2010
• Brendan Schaub – Oct. 21, 2010

The O2 has set the stage for a night of great action, with very interesting fights and results.

Mike Bisping has beaten Yoshihiro Akiyama, by unanimous decision.

Then, Carlos Condit won by KO against Dan Hardy, and Mike Pyle beat John Hathaway (unanimous decision).

The match between Cheik Kongo and Travis Browne ended, very unexpectedly, in a draw.

Claude Patrick beat James Wilks (it was a unanimous decision), and Cyrille Diabate won against Alexander Gustafsson by submission (Rear Naked Choke).

The same happened in favour of Rob Broughton against Vinicius Queiroz, and in favour of Paul Sass against Mark Holst (the latter being a Triangle Choke).

Spencer Fisher beat Curt Warburton (unanimous decision) and last, but not least, Fabio Maldonado beat James McSweeney by TKO.

Check out the full UFC 116 Results below.

Pay-Per-View Bouts:
Brock Lesnar def. Shane Carwin via submission (arm triangle choke)
Chris Leben def. Yoshihiro Akiyama via submission (triangle choke)
Chris Lytle def. Matt Brown via submission (armbar)
Stephan Bonnar def. Krzysztof Soszynski via second-round TKO
George Sotiropoulos def. Kurt Pellegrino via unanimous decision

Spike TV Bouts:
Brendan Schaub def. Chris Tuchscherer by first-round TKO
Ricardo Romero def. Seth Petruzelli via submission (armbar)

Preliminary Bouts:
Kendall Grove def. Goran Reljic via split decision
Gerald Harris def. Dave Branch via third-round TKO
Daniel Roberts def. Forrest Petz via split decision

Jon Madsen def. Karlos Vemola via unanimous decision