Photo: Josh Hedges
Keen to the growing popularity of MMA, Brazilian television network Rede TV! has been backing the style in Brazil in an effort to curb the negative image the sport still retains in a large segment of the country’s population. Sports director at the network Terence Paiva admitted in an interview on the Abril.com website that he will throw even more support behind the sport and guarantees the UFC will return to Brazil in 2011.
“People exaggerate, they say Rede TV! will bring it (the UFC) and things like that. That’s not the way it works. We’re partners with the UFC and we’ll give them all the support they need to come here. The truth is that they will be here in 2011. That’s a done deal. There are a few details needing to be ironed out, like where it’s going to be and what not. Now they see us as a market,” said Terence.
According to the article, there is a chance the channel will invest in a Brazilian edition of the The Ultimate Fighter reality show. In the interview, Terence further clarifies questions regarding broadcast rights for the fights, which are now held exclusively by Combate channel in Brazil, which could change in 2011.