The following is taken from:
Fight Report » Eddie Goldman interviews IFL co-founder Kurt Otto in his latest Podcast.
Here is a summary of what Kurt spoke about:
- Said 100% that the inaugural April 29th event will be on Free TV
- Fights will be three 4-minute rounds
- Went with ring because of the violent stigma associated with a cage and for the benefit of the spectators
- Says four more teams will be joining the IFL
- Would like to eventually build an alliance with Pride
- They are already shooting behind-the-scenes footage of each team that will air during the inaugural show
One of the coaches, Pat Miletich, was on MMAWeekly.com’s Soundoff earlier in the week and echoed a few of Otto’s statements. He aluded to the fact that “there wouldn’t be any problem” with the IFL event being shown on TV. Of course, Pat didn’t or couldn’t give any details yet, but he did confirm it should be on television.
I assume we are looking at one of the cable channels, most likely Fox Sports Net as was reported when the whole UFC vs. IFL legal battle began.
I think this is the best way the IFL can become successful and compete in the US with the UFC. A large part of the UFC’s growth in the past year has been due to the fact that they have started to show MMA on cable television for free, both with The Ultimate Fighter shows and the Ultimate Fight Night events. A large percent of the population is not willing to buy a PPV event to watch MMA and television is the only way they will see it. The IFL will be able to get their product to the largest market possible and build up a “brand” and following. I can’t wait to see what happens and for the April 29th event to happen.
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[...] Dr. J has done everyone a service by providing a summary of an interview that IFL co-owner Kurt Otto did with Eddie Goldman. In the interview, Otto claims that the IFL is on its way to securing a free TV deal for their 4/29 Atlantic City, NJ. show. Dr. J brings up the likely scenario of Fox Sports Net as the home for the IFL show. [...]
Thankfully, I do have FSN and a Tivo with which to record IFC if thats where it goes as most people seem to think. As long as it’s free I’ll most likley watch it.