Washington, D.C. (September 12, 2007) -- HDNet next month will launch a mixed-martial arts fighting series called HDNet Fights.

HDNet president and co-founder Mark Cuban made the announcement today at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, the site of the first program.

The first HDNet Fights program will air on HDNet on Saturday night, October 13. Eric Paulson is scheduled to take on former World Kick Boxing Champion Jeff Ford in a light heavyweight match. Middleweights Jason House and Freddy Espiricueta will also do battle.

HDNet has hired Guy Mezger, former UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) fighter, to run HDNet Fights.



The high-def network, which is available on satellite and several cable systems, has aired mixed-martial arts fights in the past. But today's announcement marks a strong commitment to the sport which has grown in popularity over the last few years, particularly with young males.

"I was a casual fan, but over the last 18 months, I've really gotten into MMA (Mixed Martial Arts)," Cuban tells the Dallas Morning News. "HDNet was the reason I started watching. I started watching and got hooked. As we did more and more, our numbers went through the roof. So getting this heavily involved is both the result of being a fan and a business move."

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