HDNet Fights Announces First Broadcast Partnership Of 2008

Courtesy of HDNet Fights:

Pete Spratt travels to Canada to take on Ryan Ford - "HDNet Fights Presents: Maximum Fighting Championship: Rags to Riches"

DALLAS (January 30, 2008) - HDNet Fights announced today that it has partnered with Maximum Fighting Championship to present a LIVE event from Canada on February 22. It will be the first of three events in 2008 between the two partners.

"We're excited to head to Canada to cover this event," said Mark Cuban, president and co-founder of HDNet. "Bringing this live MMA action to our fans in Canada is a great way for us to reward all of our viewers north of the border."

"This partnership with MFC helps to expand HDNet Fights outside the U.S., and to bring new fighters into the fold," said Andrew Simon, CEO of HDNet Fights. "We're looking forward to traveling to Canada to bring our viewers this exciting event."

Mark Pavelich, Owner and President of Maximum Fighting Championship, said the relationship formed between his organization and HDNet was exceptional and a perfect fit.

"Going into 2008, the MFC was determined to find a strong television arrangement to showcase our product," he said.

"The MFC has long been one of the best live shows anywhere with an energetic and entertaining atmosphere bolstered by the most loyal fans in mixed martial arts. Now with our partnership with HDNet Fights, more fans can realize that experience."

Spratt, known for his vicious knockouts - enters the contest after two consecutive wins. The most recent was a TKO of Tristan Yunker at "HDNet Fights: Reckless Abandon", and prior to that was a KO of TJ Waldburger at "HDNet Fights: Initiation Night"

"I fully expect to rip him a new one," Spratt said. "I want to finish his career before it starts."

The UFC veteran said he's been training hard for this event - and since Ford is new to MMA, he doesn't have an established style so, Spratt doesn't know what to expect. In addition, returning to Canada doesn't bring pleasant memories for Spratt. On previous trips, he's been bogged down with paperwork, and experienced visa and border entry troubles. Not to mention, a loss to UFC Interim Welterweight Champion George St. Pierre in November 2003 in Canada.

Spratt said there is no comparison between his bout with St. Pierre and his upcoming match.

"George St. Pierre was good," he said. "Ryan Ford ain't no good."

Ford carries an unblemished record into the ring. He most recently fought at MFC 14 where he finished off Mike Sorenson via TKO in the first minute of the second round.

About HDNet Fights

HDNet Fights (www.hdnetfights.com) is one of the leading Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) organizations in the country. Founded by Mark Cuban, HDNet Fights promotes, produces and airs over 24 live MMA events annually for broadcast on HDNet. HDNet Fights is unique as a unifying force in the MMA industry partnering with leading promoters, including M1, Sportfight, IFL, Ring of Combat and others to offer the quality match-ups and productions that MMA fans demand.

Founded in 2007, HDNet Fights is led by CEO Andrew Simon while company operations are handled by Dallas MMA legend and former UFC champion, Guy Mezger.

HDNet (www.hd.net) is the home for HDNet Fights and is the leader in offering live MMA broadcasts and the leading news and information show for MMA fans, "Inside MMA."

In addition, HDNet provides viewers with the best in original news, sports, music and entertainment programming. From "Dan Rather Reports," to championship sports coverage from the NHL, NASCAR and Major League Soccer to "Guys Night In" every Friday and the HDNet Concert Series every Sunday, HDNet offers great programming with the world's best picture quality.

Launched in 2001 by Mark Cuban and General Manager and COO Philip Garvin, the HDNet networks are available on AT&T, Bright House Networks, Charter Communications, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight, Mediacom, Time Warner Cable, Verizon and more than 40 NCTC cable affiliate companies. For more information visit www.hd.net.

About Maximum Fighting Championship

The Maximum Fighting Championship is Canada's leading promotion for the world's fastest-growing sport of mixed martial arts.

Mark Pavelich created the Maximum Fighting Championship and has breathed life into it ever since to the point of it becoming a true standout in the world of mixed martial arts promotions.

Since its inception in 2001, the MFC has been a true success story with tremendous support from the fans as they have sold out venues in Edmonton, where the MFC headquarters are located. The MFC will be bringing its flair to more fans soon with shows planned for U.S. and other destinations in Canada.

The MFC will continue to put on exciting and dynamic events in the future. The Maximum Fighting Championship is one of the leaders in mixed martial arts in North America today and will continue to bring mixed martial arts into people's homes around the world.