Wall-to-Wall Coverage of UFC on FOX Begins This Sunday
Quadruple Header Highlighted by Henderson/Diaz Title Match; Shogun Rua/Alexander “The Mauler” Gustafsson Clash in Best Fight Card on Network TV ROAD TO THE OCTAGON airs either prior to or following FOX Sports’
singleheader NFL coverage on Sunday - check local listings
Christmas comes a little early this December for fight fans when the UFC and FOX present one of the most anticipated cards in its history. UFC on FOX 5 invades primetime broadcast television Saturday, Dec. 8 (8:00 PM ET) live from KeyArena in Seattle, WA.
FOX Sports Media Group’s FOX Sports, FUEL TV, FOX Deportes, FOXSports.com and FOX Sports Radio have fans covered for this quadruple header of fights on the broadcast network highlighted by UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson facing top challenger Nate Diaz to determine the world’s greatest 155-pound fighter. Prior to the title fight, FOX features MMA legend Shogun Rua battling rising star Alexander Gustafsson in the light heavyweight division; former two-division UFC champion BJ Penn taking on Rory MacDonald in the welterweight division; and Mike Swick against one of the sports fiercest competitors Matt Brown in the welterweight division.
UFC announcers Mike Goldberg and Joe Rogan call all bouts on FOX Sports including preliminary matches airing live on FX. Host Jay Glazer, Kenny Florian and Brian Stann offer analysis for preliminary bouts on FX with host Curt Menefee, Stann and Randy Couture handling analysis for fights on FOX Sports. Both shows originate from the FOX Network Center in Los Angeles, CA. Additionally, preliminary bouts air live on FSMG’s Spanish language network FOX Deportes with the UFC on FOX’s four fights airing live on MundoFOX. UFC announcer Larry Pepe hosts all matches for FOX Sports Radio.
FSMG’s blanket coverage kicks-off on Sunday, Dec. 2 with an hour long special titled UFC on FOX 5: ROAD TO THE OCTAGON. The series takes a look at all four fights featured on FOX Sports’ card and how those fighters range in style, strategy and preparation. The special airs either prior to or following FOX Sports’ singleheader NFL coverage on Dec 2 and re-airs Tuesday, Dec. 4 (9:00 PM ET) on FUEL TV. UFC TONIGHT (10:00 PM ET), an official news and information show follows and the evening caps off with UFC ULTIMATE INSIDER (10:30 PM ET), a 30-minute program going behind-the-scenes to deliver an insightful preview into the World Lightweight Championship fight between Henderson and Diaz.
On Wednesday, Dec. 5 (11:00 PM ET) FUEL TV airs a raw look at an unlikely hero as UFC presents BENSON HENDERSON: RISING UP. This 60-minute documentary-style special takes viewers deep into the lightweight champion’s life outside the octagon and introduces those closest to him while revealing the motivations and desires that drive Henderson to be one of the greatest fighters of our time.
FUEL TV carries the weigh-in LIVE Friday, Dec. 7 (7:00 PM ET). The UFC Postfight show immediately following UFC on FOX 5 on Saturday, Dec. 8 (10:00 PM ET) is hosted by Jay Glazer alongside analysts Brian Stann and Kenny Florian with on-site interviews by Ariel Helwani.
In the week leading up to fight night from Seattle, WA, FSMG’s digital arm, FOXSports.com, features extended coverage of UFC on FOX 5 fighters highlighted by a story on UFC legend BJ Penn, a profile piece on Rory MacDonald, a column on Nate Diaz’s obsession with nutrition as well as press conference coverage and a preview to Henderson vs. Diaz.
