Spike, UFC Extend Deal Through 2011

Despite the booming popularity of mixed martial arts and the possibility that other networks might try to outbid it for the Ultimate Fighting Championship cable package, Spike and the parent of UFC have extended their deal through 2011.

With the deal, the MTV Networks channel holds on to signature programming, including a popular reality show and a coming weekly live series. Other networks from MyNetworkTV to Showtime have tried to capitalize on the mixed martial arts craze with their own programming looking to reach young men--Spike's target.

Reality series "The Ultimate Fighter" is currently in its sixth season. The network also carries "UFC Fight Nights" with former "Fear Factor" star Joe Rogan as a co-host. Spike carried seven live UFC fights so far this year.

UFC chief Dana White said that Spike "has supported UFC from the very beginning" and he hopes for "even greater success with all of our UFC programming" on the network.

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