MMA News Forums - UFC and Spike TV agree to renew "The Ultimate Fighter" contract through 14th season

Quote:

As a successful ninth season of "The Ultimate Fighter" winds down – and a highly anticipated 10th season begins filming – the UFC and Spike TV have extended their agreement through a 14th season of the hit reality TV series.

UFC President Dana White announced the new deal at a Q&A session with UFC Fight Club members today at the Lanxess Arena in Cologne, Germany, site of Saturday's UFC 99.

The existing deal, announced in October 2007, called for 12 seasons of the show.

"We actually just did an extension with [Spike TV]," White said. "We're going to be doing through (season) 14, two seasons a year.

"They're good partners. We work really well together, and they let me do what I do."

Prior to the extension, Spike TV was expected to air one season of "The Ultimate Fighter" in 2010 and another in 2011.

The reality show was expected to be augmented by a newly developed fight series, which would include live bouts. Immediate attempts by MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com) to reach Spike TV officials for the current status of the potential new series were unsuccessful.

In addition to the announcement of two additional seasons of "The Ultimate Fighter," White said he believed the show would follow up on the success of the ninth season with another "U.S. vs. U.K." theme.

"I don't know how many people here watched this season, but this season was awesome," White said. "The fights were great. It was a good show, and it worked out well.

"It was a home run for us. ... It's not going to be next season, but we will do it again."

"The Ultimate Fighter's" ninth season airs its final episode on Wednesday, and the season's live finale is scheduled for June 20. The 10th season, currently filming in Las Vegas, debuts Sept. 16.

UFC and Spike TV agree to renew "The Ultimate Fighter" contract through 14th season | MMAjunkie.com

Very happy to hear.