Show Partners has entered into an agreement with SUN Sports
& Entertainment for the Fox Sports Net telecast of its new mixed martial arts
television series, "GI vs. Pro."
SUN's "Art of War" division will produce a series
of nine MMA events that will air as one-hour specials Saturday nights at
midnight on FSN, beginning July 19, 2008 and concluding on September 13, 2008.
GI vs. Pro will pit current and former MMA-trained armed
services members against professional mixed martial arts fighters from around
the country. All fights will be scheduled for three, 5-minute rounds inside a circular
cage.
"Our agreement with FSN is an important milestone for
SUN as we continue to implement our growth strategy and develop relationships
with international and domestic partners," said CJ Comu, CEO SUN Sports
& Entertainment. "By showcasing our world-class fighters through well
produced, quality events on FSN, SUN's position as an emerging global MMA
organization is only further enhanced."
In response to the announcement, Show Partners EVP, Larry
Rogers stated, "We are pleased to have been selected by SUN for the
production of GI vs. Pro." He added, "As the format and concept for
the show productions involves combat-ready members of the
US military
stars against proven MMA fighters, we are excited to participate in this
production, with both FSN and SUN. This will be an exiting series of
events."