FOX Announces Fox Sports 1 Launch on Aug. 17, Will Feature Live UFC Fights

FOX announced on Tuesday that Fox Sports 1 will be launching on Aug. 17, and will feature live UFC fights.

FOX network made the announcement during a press conference that Fox Sports 1, converted from Speed TV, will be in 90 million homes. The company has rights to college basketball and football, NASCAR, soccer and UFC.

The network is set to rival ESPN in sports coverage and Sports Center with FOX Sports Live, a nightly sports news segment at 11 p.m. ET.

The Aug. 17 launch will include the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race from Michigan International Speedway and a UFC event in prime time.

FS1 will air 12 UFC “Fight Nights” on Wednesdays from Aug. 17 through the end of 2013. The bouts will air from 8-11 p.m. ET. The network will air a “UFC Tonight” studio show every Wednesday from 7:30-8 p.m. ET, leading into the live fights. It will also air 14 Saturday pay-per-view preliminary cards.

Fox Sports 1 will air international soccer coverage on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, and debut a documentary series this fall featuring Mike Tyson as its first subject.

Regis Phibin will also host an original show called “Rush Hour.” It will air daily from 5-6 p.m. ET and feature a panel of guests.

Beginning in 2014, FS1 will broadcast Major League Baseball games.

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