HDNET TO PREMIERE “MMA WORLDWIDE” THIS FRIDAY

New program presents an insider’s view on the world of MMA, Friday, August 7 at 7:30 p.m. ET

DALLAS (August 4, 2009) HDNet today announced the premiere of “MMA Worldwide,” a new program giving MMA fans unprecedented, behind-the-scenes access to all the exciting action of the sport, including the best events, the top fighters’ homes and the business side of mixed martial arts.

“MMA Worldwide” is the brainchild of Executive Producers Robert Pittman, Sr. and Bobby Pittman, publishers of MMA Worldwide Magazine and TapouT Magazine. The cast includes host Bobby Pittman as well as the magazine’s editor-in-chief RJ Clifford, fitness editor Fred George, technique editor Mike “Joker” Guymon and President Robert Pittman, Sr.

"’MMA Worldwide’ is our latest programming addition, making good on HDNet's promise to be THE Home of MMA,” said Andrew Simon, CEO of HDNet Fights. “This program is very unique and provides inside access to some of the world's greatest fighters."



"We are extremely pleased to be working with HDNet, a leader in both high definition as well as MMA programming,” said Robert Pittman, Sr., Executive Producer of “MMA Worldwide.” “From the beginning it has been our goal to bring MMA to the consumer through various media platforms. This show is both entertaining and informative and a must-see for all MMA fans."

The first 10-week season of “MMA Worldwide” includes top MMA fighters and personalities such as Dan Henderson, Wanderlei Silva, Forrest Griffin, Big John McCarthy, Cung Le, Junie Browning, Frank Trigg, Tom Atencio and Bruce Buffer. Additionally, there are special episodes including tributes to Charles “Mask” Lewis and Helio Gracie as well as unprecedented access behind top events such as Strikeforce and Bellator.

The program is written and directed by James Hergott and produced by Chris Staab. Sponsors for the show include Silver Star Casting Co, Muscle Pharm and The Burn Machine.

“MMA Worldwide,” premieres on HDNet this Friday, August 7 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

About HDNet
HDNet (www.hd.net, twitter.com/hdnet) is the independent network with unique and provocative content that appeals to men of all ages and is delivered in true high definition.

HDNet is the exclusive, high definition home for popular, original programming, including television's only HD news feature programs "HDNet World Report," and the Emmy Award winning "Dan Rather Reports," featuring legendary journalist Dan Rather. Only HDNet goes beyond the headlines to deliver real news that is redefining the way we look at our world. HDNet News is provocative, sometimes controversial and always relevant - telling the important stories of our time in-depth, with attitude and with independence.

HDNet presents championship sports coverage featuring the best of Mixed Martial Arts on its Friday night series, “HDNet Fights” (www.hdnetfights.com, twitter.com/hdnetfights). “HDNet Fights” works with leading MMA promoters including Affliction, DREAM, Sengoku, XFC, M-1, K-1, K-1 Max, MFC, Adrenaline and more. HDNet produces more live Mixed Martial Arts events than any other network and HDNet’s “Inside MMA” is the hottest Mixed Martial Arts program on television, giving MMA fans their weekly fix for everything MMA.

HDNet also delivers the world’s largest and most diverse concert line-up through the HDNet Concert Series. The HDNet Concert Series features leading artists and bands including Coldplay, Gwen Stefani, John Mayer and more. HDNet also features revealing lifestyle programming featuring “Art Mann Presents,” “Vegas Confessions,” “Deadline” and “Get Out!” HDNet is also the exclusive high definition home to critically acclaimed and award winning documentaries as part of the InFocus series. “NASA on HDNet” presents all live shuttle launches through 2010.

Only HDNet Movies (www.hdnetmovies.com, twitter.com/hdnetmovies) delivers exclusive Sneak Previews of new movies before they hit theaters. The HDNet Movies Sneak Preview series features top Hollywood stars in critically acclaimed performances including Gwyneth Paltrow, Joaquin Phoenix, Demi Moore, Michael Caine, Tom Hanks, Vera Farmiga, Parker Posey, Brian Cox, Matthew Broderick, Brittany Snow, Eric Bana, John Malkovich, and Emily Blunt.

Upcoming Sneak Previews include “World’s Greatest Dad ” written and directed by Bobcat Goldthwaite and starring Robin Williams.

In addition to being the exclusive home of Sneak Previews, HDNet Movies presents viewers with over one hundred films and an average of twenty-five “HD Premieres” each month. HDNet Movies viewers enjoy the best films from the classics of the 1950s-1970s, to favorite films from the 1980s and 1990s, to recently released theatrical films.

HDNet Movies offers subscribers a premium movie viewing experience in true HD, and more original movies shot entirely in HD than any other network.

Launched in 2001 by Mark Cuban and General Manager Philip Garvin, the HDNet networks are available on AT&T, Charter Communications, Comcast, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight, Mediacom, Verizon and more than 40 NCTC cable affiliate companies. To receive HDNet information via email simply go to www.hd.net/listpage.

About MMA Worldwide/TapouT Magazine/ SMP, Inc.
SMP (Sales and Marketing Professionals) is a sales and marketing group that specializes in multi-million dollar sales. SMP, Inc. owns the following brands and companies: SMP Printing, Tapout Magazine, MMA Worldwide Magazine and MMA Worldwide Industries.