HOW BIG A DEAL IS THAT BELLATOR IS PAYING BETTER? WILL FIGHTERS STAY AND MAKE LESS?
Spike TV today announced a press conference on Feb. 5 involving the establishment of a new partnership between the network and UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture.
It was reported Tuesday by Loretta Hunt at SI.com, who was the c-oauthor of Couture's autobiography, that Couture has signed a muti-year contract with the network to appear in multiple projects, with the first being an upcoming Bellator reality show.
Other sources in the fight community have confirmed Spike and Bellator had reached out to other retired legendary fighters to be coaches for the new show, which starts filming in early February. No name for the show, details, or when the show will air have been released by Spike. It is believed the show will include more than two coaches, and in that way differ from The Ultimate Fighter (TUF). It is also believed Spike and Viacom are offering significantly more money to coaches than they earned when The Ultimate Fighter was on Spike.
Court documents in the Eddie Alvarez contract dispute showed he was offered $100,000 to be a coach on the second season of the show.
When asked about the show a several weeks ago, Kevin Kay, the President of Spike TV, noted announcements would be coming and hinted they are hesitant to reveal key details or a time slot early.