[EmpireWF]

The UFC will hold a media conference call Thursday afternoon at 4pm eastern to reportedly announce a brand new TV deal.

UFC joined the SpikeTV network over two years ago and the two have forged a strong partnership. Earlier this month, UFC began airing a show on MyNetwork affiliates throughout the nation.

Dana White said last month he was working on a TV deal that would make people forget about HBO. Time will tell...

MMAJunkie questions the specific timing of the call, since Randy Couture will hold a press conference a half hour later. Nevertheless, Thursday looks to be a pretty big day as far as potential MMA news goes.

[Lefty Noob]

Interesting. Any speculation as to where they might be going? My gut tells me, since the network has been picking up it's MMA coverage a bit lately, that ESPN could wind up being the destination. I could be wrong, but that would seem a likely home for the UFC.

[bears9]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

Interesting. Any speculation as to where they might be going? My gut tells me, since the network has been picking up it's MMA coverage a bit lately, that ESPN could wind up being the destination. I could be wrong, but that would seem a likely home for the UFC.

Wouldn't be shocked It might Be HDNet as well they are playing Couture's press conference today.

[EmpireWF]

It's not HDNet, UFC wouldn't gain much from that since a very limited amount of homes even has it.

The best possible choice would be ESPN like lefty said. If they can have SpikeTV and ESPN airing original UFC programming (and even old fights), it would be huge.

[Lefty Noob]

Could be Fox Sports as well - I believe they had an existing deal with Pride, did they not? And since the two merged...

[EmpireWF]

That's a possibility although I don't know if that would be a big deal or not. Fox Sports still has highlight shows for Pride as well as IFL events.

It could also be an announcement of an extension with Spike.

[EmpireWF]

Dana White's press conference will be streamed live at Yahoo! Sports. Liddell/Silva and Brock Lesnar will be discussed. And reportedly an announcement on a new TV deal will be made.

[EmpireWF]

Call is on now (streamed live at Yahoo!)...

-Dana White has high hopes for Brock Lesnar. Says good wrestlers usually make the transition into MMA (citing Couture, Hughes and even Liddell).

-The new TV deal is an extension with Spike TV. 12 live fight cards on Spike with the new deal.

[EmpireWF]

-12 UFC Fight Nights in 2008 on Spike. Looks like once a month.

-lol, Dana White said "I got 'em" when asked about Couture's contract. He said Couture signed a new contract eight months ago. "Randy's pissed off at me right now" said White.

-The new SpikeTV deal is four years. 2010 and 2011 will feature a new "fight series" that they're working on new concepts for now. Ultimate Fighter is guaranteed for the next two years.

-Dana White said they're not working on a Super Bowl half-time fight. But they will have a Superbowl Saturday UFC show.

-White said they're working on getting to Newcastle.

[bears9]

Just SPIKE, no ESPN, no FOX that is kind of dissapointing

[EmpireWF]

-Dana White was telling a guy from Fox News about all the record breaking live gates and merchandise they've done recently. Places like Cincinnati, Sacramento, etc.

-Regarding the UFC Heavyweight Championship, Dana White said he doesn't consider it vacant until Randy Couture tells him to his face he will retire. Said he believes they'll work it out. "He's the champ and we'll figure out who he'll fight next" said White.

-2 Seasons of TUF in 2008, 2 TUF in 2009, 1 TUF in 2010 and a new Spike series in 2010, 1 TUF in 2011 and the new series in 2011.

[EmpireWF]

-Dana White was happy with the way ESPN was covering UFC. In regards to a potential TV deal with ESPN, White said no, they're with Spike. He did say Spike never tried to lock them down and helped them to grow.

-"We're coming" said Dana White regarding Chicago. He said as soon as they are regulated, they're going straight to Chi-Town.

-White said Arlovski hasn't been forgotten but he's not sure about what he's been doing.

[EmpireWF]

-Dana White said he was looking for partners like Spike when asked about HBO. Not a flybynight promotion running one show like boxing.

-White did say the last Arlovski fight was boring but did say he wasn't pissed at him. (There have been rumors he wants him to sign an extension since he has one or two fights left on his current deal).

-The relationship between UFC and Spike exceeded expectations of both parties.

[bears9]

Ya Dana come to Chicago and bring Rampage and his lightheavy weight title bout with you

[EmpireWF]

-Ticket sales for Jersey and UFC 78 are "fantastic" and they expect a sellout at the new Prudential Center (which opened this week).

-Dana White is thrilled to see Wanderlei Silva vs. Chuck Liddell on December 29th after all the years of trying to put it together. He's hyped for UFC 79.

Brock Lesnar, Wanderlei Silva and Chuck Liddell are coming into the call in a few moments.