M-1 Global and Channel One in Russia have agreed to terms on a new broadcast agreement that will make Affliction and M-1′s “Trilogy” event on Aug. 1 available to televisions viewers in Russia.
The news comes according to our Russian-language sister site, Mixfight.ru.
Channel One is a free over-the-air network and is the largest broadcast in Russia. The landmark deal between Channel One in M-1 Global is believed to be a clear indication that mixed martial arts (known as “mixfighting” in Russia) is growing in stature in the country.
The Russian government reportedly owns 51% of Channel One but the new deal is not the first time politicians in Russia have given a public seal of approval to one of the fastest growing sports in the world. During Fedor Emelianenko’s 2007 fight vs. Matt Lindland in St. Petersburg, then-Russian President and current Prime Minister Vladimir Putin was in attendance. Putin is a Sambo practitioner and reportedly a fan of Fedor’s.
Now, Putin and and the entire country of Russia will be able to view Fedor defend his WAMMA heavyweight title against number one contender Josh Barnett. Emanating from the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., the event will air live on a delay basis on Aug. 2. For those in Russia who want to see the entire card and view it live, they will be able to purchase the International Internet PPV stream of the event on M-1Global.com and Mixfight.ru.
The addition of Fedor vs. Barnett to a Channel One programming roster that includes Russian versions of Who Wants to be a Millionaire, Survivor, and American Idol is believed to be a result of a viral campaign started by M-1 owners Sergey Matvienko and Vadim Finkelchtein called “MMA for the Masses” that is intended to help cultivate the public’s awareness in Russia of MMA.
