The rumors that UFC will be running a “Primetime” special for the upcoming Brock Lesnar vs. Cain Velasquez title fight have been confirmed.
The Primetime series, which is similar to the HBO 24/7 platform used to hype big boxing fights, has previously driven Georges St. Pierre vs. BJ Penn and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson vs. Rashad Evans to big buyrates. A Brock Lesnar fight is never going to perform poorly at the box office, but the hope is that the special, set to premiere October 6, can take things to the next level.
Velasquez, while one of the most raved about prospects in MMA, is not known as an outspoken “promo guy,” so the series will provide an opportunity to get his skillset over with the audience. Lesnar, meanwhile, is known for being very reserved and private as it relates to his non-Octagon activities, so the special also represents a valued window into his fight preparations.
Following the October 6 Spike TV premiere, subsequent installments air on October 13 and 20. The two then fight in the UFC 121 main event on October 23.
— In other fight news, MMA Junkie reports that John Howard vs. Thiago Alves is being eyed for UFC 124. The fight would be at welterweight–a chance for Thiago Alves to redeem himself after the weight struggle at UFC 117.
