CBS kicks it up on Saturdays with mixed martial arts

CBS announced today that it closed a multi-year deal with ProElite, Inc, a Los Angeles-based company that will produce four mixed martial arts specials for the network. The two-hour live primetime specials will air on Saturdays and are expected to feature unpredictable matches between athletes who perform a combination of judo, jiu-jitsu, karate, wrestling, and kickboxing.  "Mixed martial arts is one of the fastest growing sports in the country and a wildly popular entertainment vehicle for upscale, young adult audiences," said CBS senior VP Kelly Kahl in a statement.  "It’s original programming for Saturday night; it’s live, creating an event atmosphere, and it’s something that hasn’t been seen on network television, until now." Mixed martial arts is not new to the CBS Corp. CBS’ sister cable network Showtime began airing EliteXC live events last year. CBS clearly hopes the show will help attract the elusive young male demographic.