Fight Network (UK) explained

Fight Network
Launch Date:17 July 2018
Closed Date:1 September 2020
Picture Format:480i (SDTV)
1080i (HDTV)
Owner:Anthem Sports & Entertainment
Language:English
Country:United Kingdom, Ireland
Area:United Kingdom
Ireland
Online Serv 1:TVPlayer (UK and Ireland)
Online Chan 1:Watch live

Fight Network was a British programming block that broadcast nightly over the channel space of Showcase by Information TV. The channel was owned by Anthem Sports & Entertainment and available through Showcase by Information TV at 9:00 PM every night.[1] [2] Programming featured combat sports from around the world. The channel launched on 17 July 2018 and was based on the Canadian channel of the same name. The channel itself was a revival of the previous version of The Fight Network, which formally broadcast under the name of TWC Fight! and The Wrestling Channel before ceasing transmissions in 2008. However, the channel ceased operations on Showcase in September 2020.[3]

History

Relaunch

On 13 July 2018, it was announced that Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp. would relaunch Fight Network as a programming block on Showcase by Information TV. The block would feature various sports, including live Impact Wrestling, Ultimate Challenge MMA, Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, WGP Kickboxing, Wrestling at the Chase and other programmes. Due to the way it was placed and the obscurity of the original version, Anthem were treating it as a new channel launch. Later in 2019 the channel would add other wrestling promotions like Ring Of Honor, Smash Wrestling, Championship Wrestling from Hollywood and British promotion Preston City Wrestling with them airing on different days than Impact!.[4] [5]

Closure

On 26 August 2020, Anthem announced that the programming block would no longer be available on Showcase from September 2020, effectively ceasing its operations.[3]

Programming

The most notable content to air on Fight Network is a simulcast of Impact Wrestling, which aired in the United Kingdom on Wednesdays at 9.00pm .[6] [7] [8]

International

British

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Fight Network Launches in the UK on SKY and Freesat . www.fightnetwork.com . 19 July 2018.
  2. Web site: Happe . Liam . Fight Network channel launches in the UK . www.uk.sports.yahoo.com . 20 July 2018.
  3. News:
      • ANNOUNCEMENT**
    . @FightNetUK on Twitter. 26 August 2020.
  4. Web site: British wrestling company PCW launches weekly TV show on Fight Network. Daily Mirror. 7 February 2019.
  5. Web site: ROH Announces TV Deal with Fight Network UK | Fightful News.
  6. Web site: Anderton . Joe . Dedicated MMA and wrestling channel Fight Network launches in the UK . www.digitalspy.com . 20 July 2018 . en . 17 July 2018.
  7. Web site: Docking . Neil . New UK TV channel Fight Network to broadcast IMPACT Wrestling live . www.mirror.co.uk . 20 July 2018 . 17 July 2018.
  8. Web site: King . Jack G. . Fight Network Launches In UK, Featuring IMPACT, MMA, And More . www.cultaholic.com . 20 July 2018 . 17 July 2018.