The screenwriters strike has forced network television to look for more non-scripted programming.  Already flooded with reality TV, CBS decided to go in the direction of Mixed Martial Arts.  The UFC and CBS are reportedly close to a deal to air the MMA giant on prime time network TV, something boxing hasn’t had ona regular basis since the 1980s.  Of course there was a brief DKP-Fox partnership in the 1990s and the Contender's first season, but NBC sold the show to ESPN for season two.  It is also being reported that NBC is looking to broadcast MMA as well and the promotional outfit that would probably land on the network would be M-1 Global.  Source: MMA Weekly