So yeah, ESPN2 has a studio MMA show now, MMA Live. Nearing the end of the first ep right now. Looks to be weekly - it's scheduled to air next Friday at 1 AM as well. And also, they're doing a 1-hour pre-game show on Saturday at 9 as well as a 30-minute postgame show. Wow, looks like ESPN is getting a bit more serious about covering MMA here.
Thanks for the heads up. The show usually is shown on epsn3 (formally known as ESPN360). I am hyped about this progress.
Recored the post-fight show and I can't believe they showed highlights from all of the main-card fights.
Kind of thinking that their thought process is to sacrifice replay buys for the legitimacy of having their highlights on ESPN. Which is pretty cool.
Highlights might help create replay buys if people see great action from the highlights. But yes, it's great to have MMA Live on ESPN2. It used to be on espn.com, but it's just not the same as TV. Glad to see that MMA is finally on ESPN tv.
Even more good news - apparently the show is doing well in the ratings, so it's staying on the air at least through the end of August. They do a really good job with the show - Florian and Rashad bring good analysis.
I really think they should use some retired fighters to provide commentary. Having Rashad and Kenny, both Team Jackson fighters who are currently employed by Zuffa, brings a certain bias to the analysis. I mean honestly, how can they ever comment reasonably on a Kieth Jardine or GSP fight, for example?
I capped this promo in March when the program first started airing in Australia [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRX6vEG0Shw"]YouTube- ESPN MMA Live Promo[/ame]