MMA Forum

I've just read that Setanta is on the verge of going in to administration. I'm sure they will find a buyer but wondered what changes might happen and how/if this could affect their contract with the UFC. I would hate to see UFC go to pay-per-view on Sky Sports as Setanta gives you a lot more for your £15!

You can read the full story here: BBC NEWS | Business | Setanta 'is on brink of collapse'

I would prefere it on sky as me (or my Brother) wont pay fot it for the year, for the amount we would watch it.

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It would be good if they just put onto SKY2 rather than pay per view.

It'd be a shame if it wasn't picked up at all and I wouldn't be please if it was PPV.

...but then I just watch it over the net anyway so I will be largely unaffected.

However for the benefit of the growth of MMA in the UK I really hope it is picked up another channel, who knows maybe a terrestrial one such as Channel 5!

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Strike First - Strike Hard - Show No Mercy

Apparently they've stopped taking on new subscriptions, a sure sign that they're going under!

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Strike First - Strike Hard - Show No Mercy

Apparently only 1.4 million subscribed, needed 1.9 million to break even!

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Really! yeah that cant be a good sign can it.

It just hope it doesnt effect MMA as a whole and that its gonna be easily accessible to view without costing the earth. To be honest it wouldnt bother me either if it went to PPV because i pay monthly for Setanta but only watch UFC so paying for other sport im not watching. Although I cant see PPV being good for MMA because people who love all sport might not pay extra just to watch UFC events so it will be damaging to the growth of MMA.

Lets see what happens ay.

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MMA NEWS

I see your concern, but i think the growth of it wil interest some one. Cobra mentioned Channel 5, but even if a freeview channel like virgin1 (who do TUF every sunday 11pm ) pick it up would be amazing. I highly doubt BBC, Itv, Channel 4 or channel 5 would gamble on it

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"In a brief update on the situation regarding troubled pay-TV broadcaster Setanta Sports, STV news in Scotland this afternoon reported that Setanta will be off the air by midnight tonight.

At time of writing this on Tuesday evening, a meeting is currently taking place in London in one final attempt to try and work out a deal that would see Setanta’s channels continue to broadcast.

The UFC this afternoon did confirm to iFight365.com that this Saturday’s UFC 99 PPV would be broadcast live on Setanta as planned, although we were unable to obtain any kind of detailed official statement regarding threat of administration and what may happen next to the UFC.

Obviously, UFC 99 airing live on Setanta is out of the UFC’s hands and should talks in London result in administration and channels being pulled off the air, the situation changes and UK fans will likely miss out on watching the show live on television.

We’ll have an update on the situation early on Wednesday."

Phil Lowe

iFight365.com

I'll try to find the update and further information asap!

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Strike First - Strike Hard - Show No Mercy

Update 1...

The Ultimate Fighting Championship have guaranteed fans tonight that UFC 99 from Cologne will be available to British and Irish fans on Saturday night. Speaking exclusively to Telegraph.co.uk, Marshall Zelaznik, president of the UK division of the UFC, revealed that the mixed martial arts organisation "will ensure that fans will see UFC 99 irrespective of what happens with Setanta."

The well-documented financial strife Setanta is under is believed to be reaching a head as executives attempt to secure a last-ditch rescue package that will prevent the company tipping into administration.

Staff have been told that the company will continue to broadcast as the search for fresh investment continues, but there were no details provided and nor were there any guarantees given as to the company's long-term prospects.

Setanta has shown major UFC events as a broadcast partner of the mixed martial arts organisation with up to 250,000 viewers watching UFC events live on the channel. Previously, UFC events were shown on replay on Bravo on Sundays, with over 100,000 viewers at its peak. It is expected that more details will be revealed tomorrow.

Source: Telegraph.co.uk

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Strike First - Strike Hard - Show No Mercy