In addition to fueling UFC’s breakout as a major sports brand, “The Ultimate Fighter” spent several years as a key ratings driver for Spike TV.
Now that UFC is working with the FOX networks and Spike is partnered with Bellator FC, it is looking to pay another visit to the mixed martial arts reality well.
Following up on a report that broke around the time of Viacom’s purchasing of a stake in Bellator, Spike noted Tuesday that it is moving forward with a reality show built around the Bellator fight promotion.
“Some of the most physically-gifted and fascinating athletes in the world fight in Bellator, and I believe they make ideal subjects for an innovative new non-scripted series,” said Bertram Van Munster, the “Amazing Race” co-creator who will executive produce the series.
Details on the series, which is set for a 2013 premiere, remain under wraps.