TV
Watch now: First 8 mins of UFC: Heavyweights
Published Thursday, Sep 17 2009, 10:46 BST | By Andrew Laughlin
Five confirmed last week that it has agreed a deal with the UFC to screen highlights of the mixed martial arts sport on UK terrestrial television.
Under the deal, the broadcaster will also air reality TV show The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights on Five USA every Saturday night, starting at 11pm on September 19.
Watch the first eight minutes right here!
In the programme, 16 up-and-coming fighters from around the world live together but also have to fight each other to win a contract with the UFC.
Among the contenders this year is British heavyweight and former Thai boxing champion James McSweeney, who follows in the footsteps of previous UK winners Ross Pearson and James Wilks.
"I watched the previous seasons of The Ultimate Fighter and, to be honest, I was dreading the idea of spending six weeks in a house with 15 other guys," said McSweeney.
"This season I'm the only English guy in the house and all the others are big Americans with points to prove."
All the hopefuls will receive guidance from house coaches Rashad Evan and Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson, who was recently linked with the role of Bosco 'BA' Baracus in the forthcoming A-Team movie.
"UFC have taken over the world massively and all roads now lead to the UFC. If there is one industry you want to be a part of as a fighter, it's the UFC," said McSweeney.
"It's the highest level of the sport and the fighters stand to make millions. I want to fight the best fighters in the world and, with that in mind, the UFC is the only option."
Under the deal, the broadcaster will also air reality TV show The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights on Five USA every Saturday night, starting at 11pm on September 19.
Watch the first eight minutes right here!
In the programme, 16 up-and-coming fighters from around the world live together but also have to fight each other to win a contract with the UFC.
Among the contenders this year is British heavyweight and former Thai boxing champion James McSweeney, who follows in the footsteps of previous UK winners Ross Pearson and James Wilks.
"I watched the previous seasons of The Ultimate Fighter and, to be honest, I was dreading the idea of spending six weeks in a house with 15 other guys," said McSweeney.
"This season I'm the only English guy in the house and all the others are big Americans with points to prove."
All the hopefuls will receive guidance from house coaches Rashad Evan and Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson, who was recently linked with the role of Bosco 'BA' Baracus in the forthcoming A-Team movie.
"UFC have taken over the world massively and all roads now lead to the UFC. If there is one industry you want to be a part of as a fighter, it's the UFC," said McSweeney.
"It's the highest level of the sport and the fighters stand to make millions. I want to fight the best fighters in the world and, with that in mind, the UFC is the only option."
Related Stories
Tube Talk
'Bedlam': On set for the new seriesTube Talk takes a trip to the Bedlam set and speaks with star Lacey Turner.
TV Interviews
'Mike and Molly' Reno Wilson Q&ADigital Spy chats to Reno Wilson about Mike and Molly's wedding and beyond.
TV Ratings
'The Apprentice' final hires nearly 7mEarlier, the BBC's coverage of the Diamond Jubilee entertains more than 10m.
TV Recaps
'Homeland' finale: Have your sayHomeland's incredible finale is reviewed by Digital Spy. Share your verdict.
