FIGHTING WORDS WITH MIKE STRAKA

[keithlewis]

HDNET TO DEBUT NEW ORIGINAL MMA SERIES "FIGHTING WORDS WITH MIKE STRAKA"

Network to launch this first-of-its-kind MMA series with Dana White as the premiere guest - Friday, March 26 at 8:30 p.m. ET

DALLAS (March 9, 2010) HDNet announced today that it will add the new, original series "Fighting Words with Mike Straka," to its Friday night lineup. The 30-minute one-on-one weekly interview program will feature revealing conversations with the top stars in mixed martial arts. "Fighting Words with Mike Straka" is scheduled to debut on Friday, March 26 at 8:30 p.m. ET. The premiere episode will feature a rare, 30-minute interview with one of the most influential people in Mixed Martial Arts - UFC President Dana White.

In the following weeks, host Mike Straka will present unique insights into the sport's most interesting personalities including King Mo, Gegard Mousasi, Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos, Matt Hughes, Frank Shamrock and Bobby Lashley.

"This show has been years in the making - I wanted MMA fans to get an unprecedented view, from the biggest names, of what it takes to be in this business," said Andrew Simon, CEO of HDNet Fights. "The MMA world produces the most intriguing personalities in professional sports and this program is designed to give Mike a full half- hour to ask the tough questions - the real questions fight fans want to know."

"I am proud to join HDNet as the newest piece of the network's already impressive MMA lineup," said Mike Straka. "I am excited about the opportunity to present a side of these amazing athletes that the fans haven't seen before."

Mike Straka was previously the host of "FOX Fight Game." He has covered MMA since UFC 30 in February 2001 and is widely recognized as one of the first mainstream journalists to begin reporting on the sport.