Bjorn Rebney file photo | Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com
Bellator to MTV2, Not FX
The three-year deal means MTV2 will be the exclusive home of Bellator. The promotion’s clearances on Fox Sports Net, mun2 and NBC will dissolve. Bellator will host two 12-week seasons in 2011. MTV2 will also air three live fight cards between seasons. The night of the week on which the events will air was not announced. MTV2 is in 80 million U.S. households.
MTV2 executives said in a press release that mixed martial arts programming was highest on the wish list of its audience, which is strongest among males, ages 12 to 34. Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney said in interviews the deal will move the promotion out of spending investment capital and into a “cash positive” position, generating enough licensing and sponsorship revenue off the television show to begin turning a profit.