Four-fight deal follows ITVX showing a Mortal Kombat bout in September
ITV has signed up for another four live events from Total Kombat.
The combat sport, which was created by a group of television producers and world champion martial artists including British UFC standout Michael “Venom” Page (“MVP”), does not allow wrestling or ground fighting and features athletes drawn from a global pool of Olympians, black belts and UFC veterans.
It was first shown in the UK by ITVX in September, and the broadcaster will also show these four new events on the streaming platform, with highlights on ITV4. Page’s production company In The Moment will again oversee the event’s signature cinematic production style and branding.
The first event will take place on 28 February, and will feature: Dee Begley, SBG Dublin teammate of MMA star Conor McGregor; Ben Fillingham, training partner of UFC’s Lone’er Kavanagh and Nathaniel Wood; and Commonwealth Games silver medallist Cameron Booth.
Total Kombat chief executive Lee Matthews said, “We knew we had a great product but even so, we were blown away by the response to our ITVX debut. We’ve built something really special here; some of these fighters are going to become legendary. Tickets sold out a month ago.”
Page said: “When I was coming up, I dreamed of a platform like Total Kombat, somewhere I could show my skills on national television. I love MMA but there’s something special about an all-striking ruleset which really lets these guys show what they can do. September was an amazing debut on ITVX, the feedback has been phenomenal, and February 28th is going to be another level again.”
ITV commissioning editor Richard Botchway said: “We’re delighted to continue our partnership with Total Kombat and commit to bringing the very best athletes in underground combat sports to a free-to-air audience across the UK. This is a massive win for the fans and we look forward to seeing all the action unfold at Total Kombat 3 on ITV.”
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