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IFL gets demoted on MyNetwork TV

By Zach Arnold | August 23, 2007

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Variety is reporting that MyNetworkTV is demoting the IFL Battleground show from Monday nights to Saturday nights, with those Saturday night events being repackaged editions of “IFL Battleground” shows. The IFL show is being replaced with celebrity programming on Monday nights on MNTV. There’s no other way to say it — the IFL got its free-to-air TV network show cut in half in length and demoted from Monday night to Saturday night. This is just more bad news for the IFL.

411 Mania is reporting that Jake Ellenberger will replace Rory Markham on the IFL’s 9/20 Hollywood, Florida event. Ellenberger will fight Delson Heleno at 170 pounds. Plus, the heat-up process is starting for Ryan McGivern vs. Fabio Leopoldo.

Topics: IFL, Media, MMA, Zach Arnold | 9 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |

9 Responses to “IFL gets demoted on MyNetwork TV”

  1. Jonathan says:

    How is it even possible? I mean, they were so low already. It is like being on the bottom of the ocean floor, and then somehow finding a way to drill into the crust.

  2. Zack says:

    Hopefully “Dear Don” will live on at least.

  3. 45 Huddle says:

    First Bodog and now the IFL. The gravy train has ended.

  4. schz says:

    considering their talent roster, 2 hours was way too much anyway. i was never able to watch it for more than 20 minutes without changing channels. i think even a full hour is still too much, two 30 minute shows per week would probably be the best idea.

    its all irrelevant, what they need to do is hire someone (anyone) with a verified 60+ IQ who will realize they MUST broadcast their shows live. its obvious to the entire planet except gareb and kurt.

  5. Jack says:

    I am consistently stunned with the contradictions within the MMA Media and the loyal fanbase of the sport. So often we hear from all sides of the issues that competition is good for the sport and necessary for its longevity, not to mention the livelihood of the athletes involved. But yet is almost always a complete pack of wolves, frothing to devour the remains of these upstart organizations.

    Remember this dear fans, you’ll reap what you sow. If you just sit and watch these promotions fail with little care or none at all, you will regret it later.

    I commend the IFL for their flawed but excellent venture into MMA. I wish them the best.

  6. Zach Arnold says:

    I am consistently stunned with the contradictions within the MMA Media and the loyal fanbase of the sport. So often we hear from all sides of the issues that competition is good for the sport and necessary for its longevity, not to mention the livelihood of the athletes involved. But yet is almost always a complete pack of wolves, frothing to devour the remains of these upstart organizations.

    The onus is on the promoters, not the fans to produce a good product that resonates with customers. It’s called capitalism.

    Do I want to see an industry that isn’t 100% dominated by UFC? Yes. I’d also like to see some real businessmen with some acumen on how to run a company and not look like a money mark with fundraising gimmicks to cover-up for incompetence.

  7. Zack says:

    “Remember this dear fans, you’ll reap what you sow. If you just sit and watch these promotions fail with little care or none at all, you will regret it later.”

    I think you see so many people drag the IFL’s name through the mud because they do care. It seemed like they had the bank roll and some names to make a real dent in the sport, but they made fundamental mistakes time and time again. No live tv = no ratings. It’s pretty simple.

    When they booked the Lindland vs Horn fight, I was pretty fired up. That was actually a really good matchup at the time. I was hoping once they got steady tv (the My Network TV deal), they’d compete a bit more for top talent and have some real super fights.

    You could maintain the team concept on the undercard as a way to build guys up, then have a couple genuine big name fights on top. Its obvious what they’re doing isn’t working and isn’t going to catch on, so why not make a change? It’s the slow bleed with no end in site that is frustrating to most fans.

  8. UFC Fanboy (45 Huddle) says:

    I know this will sound harsh, but as a fan of MMA, I wish the IFL, Bodog, EliteXC, & K-1 Hero’s failed? Why? Because it means we get to see all the best fighters competing against each other. It gives us one major league, without question to let the fans see the best against the best.

    I know that is a radical concept for combat sports, but that is the best way. To regulate it, the fighters would need a union… And this way, all 3 sides win out…. The UFC, The Fighters, And The Fans….

  9. Gweedo says:

    Yo 45, Good concept…the IFL and Elite EC/Strikeforce will fall. Bodog has too much money to ever stop though. If PrideFC doesn’t make a return, the UFC will probably have all the best fighters of the world except maybe Fedor because of his commitment to Russia and the kickboxing events he fights for over there. I heard the UFC doesn’t really like fighters fighting outside their promotion.

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