HDNet, the all-high-definition cable channel that’s home to the upstart HDNet Fights organization, will broadcast live a New Year’s Eve event that features MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko.
HDNet Fights executives today made the announcement of the event, which will be dubbed “HDNet Fights: Fedor Returns” here in the U.S. (The event is going by the name “Yarennoka!” in Japan.)
In addition to Emelianenko, the event features some of the sport’s top fighters. As MMAjunkie.com (
www.mmajunkie.com) previously announced, Strikeforce world lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez will take on highly ranked Mitsuhiro Ishida, and famed K-1 HERO’S fighter Gesias “JZ” Calvancante battles PRIDE standout Shinya Aoki.
An opponent for Emelianenko has not yet been named.
The show is being organized by former staffers of PRIDE Fighting Championships with support from M-1 Global, an organization that was recently purchased from Emelianenko’s manager and restructured by a group of American investors. Emelianenko, then the world’s top free agent, signed a long-term deal with the organization in October.
“Today’s announcement with M-1 Global/Fedor clearly demonstrates that HDNet Fights is committed to working on a unified basis to deliver the best fighters and the best fights,” HDNet Fights CEO Andrew Simon stated in today’s press release. “HDNet is clearly becoming the home for MMA action, and this amazing live event featuring the return of Fedor is our holiday present to HDNet Fights fans. We are working hard every day improving HDNet Fights, and this is a great first step in the process.“
HDNet Fights is owned by billionaire Mark Cuban, who is also the owner of the Dallas Mavericks and the chairperson of HDNet. Cuban recently entered the MMA space with HDNet Fights and has continually stated that he wants his cable station to be the preeminent place for televised MMA events.
“This announcement reinforces our commitment to becoming the home for live MMA action,” Cuban stated. “No one else but HDNet will have the return of Fedor live from Japan.“
Additionally, HDNet airs “HDNet Fights: Reckless Abandon” on Saturday, Dec. 15. The show, which is the second to be held under the HDNet Fights banner, features co-main events of Frank Trigg vs. Edwin Dewees, as well as Jason “Mayhem” Miller vs. Tim Kennedy.
During their initial press conference, M-1 Global executives said that the organization would rely on strategic partnerships — rather than exclusive deals — so the organization could make an immediate impact in the industry.
“Once again, M-1 Global’s commitment to working with others has produced major results as MMA fans throughout the U.S. will be able to watch… Emelianenko compete live on New Year’s Eve on HDNet,” said M-1 Global CEO Monte Cox.
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