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Wednesday, January 30, 2008

MFC Joins Forces With HDNet

Courtesy of the Maximum Fighting Championship:

Mark Pavelich and Mark Cuban team up in broadcast partnership

For Immediate Release

EDMONTON, AB – The Maximum Fighting Championship is thrilled to announce the biggest news in the history of the company. Owner/President Mark Pavelich has agreed to a new broadcast partnership with HDNet television network and its owner, American celebrity billionaire Mark Cuban.

The broadcast partnership calls for the live airing of three MFC shows at the River Cree Resort and Casino during 2008. The partnership’s first broadcast will be of MFC 15: Rags to Riches on Friday, February 22.

Mr. Cuban is also expected to be in attendance for at least one of the shows during the agreement.

“Going into 2008, the MFC was determined to find a strong television arrangement to showcase our product,” explained Pavelich. “We were in contact with a number of networks, but the relationship we were able to create with HDNet was exceptional and a perfect fit.

“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, more fans can realize that experience.

“We will continue to showcase the best young talent – fighters like Ryan Ford, Ryan Heck, Mike Maestas, and Ryan Jimmo – while adding in seasoned professionals like Roger Hollett, Scott Junk, and Pete Spratt. MFC fans have come to expect excitement and we promise to keep delivering to them and our new fans through HDNet.”

The MFC provides HDNet with strong content from an organization that is already well-regarded for its live atmosphere.

“We’re excited to head to Canada and team with the MFC,” said Mark Cuban, President and Co-founder of HDNet. “Bringing this live MMA action to our fans is a great way for us to reward all of our viewers north of the border.

“This partnership with the MFC helps to expand HDNet Fights outside the U.S. and to bring new fighters into the fold,” added Andrew Simon, CEO of HDNet Fights.

The agreement also puts the spotlight on the River Cree Resort and Casino, a first-class gaming and entertainment venue, and the exclusive home of the Maximum Fighting Championship.

“The River Cree Resort and Casino and the MFC are dynamic organizations and it is very appropriate that we are joined by HDNet and Mark Cuban – one of the most dynamic personalities in business and sports,” said Michael Heeb, Vice-President and General Manager of River Cree Resort and Casino.

HDNet Fast Facts:

Launched in September 2001 by co-founders Mark Cuban and Philip Garvin

The first national TV network broadcasting all of its programming in 1080i HD

Produces and televises more hours of HDTV sports, news and entertainment programming each week than any other network

Programming includes: HDNet World Report, Dan Rather Reports, Geek to Freak with Dennis Rodman, National Hockey League, Major League Soccer, NASCAR Nextel Cup, HDNet Fights

HDNet is available in Canada on Shaw Cable, Bell ExpressVu and Star Choice

Mark Cuban Fast Facts:

Born in Pittsburgh; attended University of Pittsburgh and Indiana University

Crated MicroSolutions and sold it in 1990 to Compuserve for $6 million US

In 1995, created Audionet which became Broadcast.com in 1998. Sold it to Yahoo! for $5.9 billion US in stock

Ranked No. 407 on Forbes “World’s Richest People” with a net worth of $2.3 billion US

Credited with Guinness World Record for largest single e-commerce purchase – a Gulfstream V jet for $40 million US

Owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks

Co-founder and owner of HDNet and HDNet Fights

Owner of IceRocket; owner Magnolia Pictures; partner in RedSwoosh

Founder of the Fallen Patriot Fund

Contestant on Dancing with the Stars – Season 5

Just a few tickets remain for MFC 15: Rags to Riches to be held Friday, February 22 at the River Cree Resort and Casino. Don’t miss out as the MFC’s last seven shows have all sold out. Call the MFC Ticket Hotline at (780) 504-2024 or contact Ticketmaster at (780) 451-8000, ticketmaster.ca or visit any Ticketmaster outlet.