Special Edition of HDNet's 'Inside MMA' to Provide Comprehensive Coverage of UFC's Purchase of Strikeforce(TM)

Special Edition of HDNet's 'Inside MMA' to Provide Comprehensive Coverage of UFC's Purchase of Strikeforce(TM)

Exclusive Interviews with Dana White and Scott Coker - This Friday at 9:00 p.m. ET

DALLAS, March 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- This week's announcement that Forza, LLC, a subsidiary of Zuffa, LLC (which owns the Ultimate Fighting Championship® brand) purchased Strikeforce(TM) has stunned the mixed martial arts community. The move is arguably the most significant development in the sport since Zuffa's acquisition of PRIDE in 2008, and solidifies Zuffa's position as the largest MMA company in the world.

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This week's "Inside MMA" covers all the angles on this major breaking news story, including interviews with all the principals involved in the deal.

First, Mike Straka talks to UFC President Dana White about the acquisition and what it means for the sport then Bas Rutten and Strikeforce(TM) President Scott Coker discuss how the deal came together and where the promotion will go from here.

Also, Ron Kruck takes a look back at the two organizations and gathers reaction from the fighters about what this consolidation will mean for them.

"Inside MMA" is committed to giving viewers more insight into the top stories than any other outlet," said Andrew Simon, CEO of HDNet Fights. "Bas' exclusive interview with Scott Coker goes deeper than anything you have seen so far. You've read the headlines and heard the sound bites, now tune in this Friday to go inside the story and find out what it means for the fighters, fans and the sport."

"Inside MMA" airs this Friday night at 9:00 p.m. ET on HDNet.

And, HDNet will post a special ONLINE ONLY edition of "Inside MMA" which will be available at http://www.hd.net/blogs/2011/03/inside-mma-511/ immediately following the telecast. Dominick Cruz, Phil Baroni, and Trevor Whitman will join Kenny and Bas to breakdown UFC 128, plus Ron Kruck has comments from Jon Jones and Shogun Rua.

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HDNet is the exclusive, high definition home for popular, original programming, including television's only HD news feature programs "HDNet World Report," and the Emmy Award winning "Dan Rather Reports," featuring legendary journalist Dan Rather. Only HDNet goes beyond the headlines to deliver real news that is redefining the way we look at our world. HDNet News is provocative, sometimes controversial and always relevant - telling the important stories of our time in-depth, with attitude and with independence. HDNet is also the exclusive high definition home to critically acclaimed and award winning documentaries as part of the InFocus series. "NASA on HDNet" presents all live shuttle launches through 2011.

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CONTACT: Colette Carey of HDNet, +1-303-542-5576, ccarey@hd.net

Web Site: http://www.hd.net

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