BET to debut original mixed martial arts series featuring hip-hop stars

(March 12, 2008) Introducing celebrities from the worlds of hip-hop, sports and Hollywood to the competitive ranks of mixed martial arts, BET is bringing a different twist to mixed martial arts with its new original series IRON RING premiering Tuesday, March 18 at 11 p.m. ET/PT.

IRON RING, a 13-episode half-hour weekly series showcasing mixed martial arts -- the fastest-growing new sports format in entertainment -- pairs celebrity team owners, trainers and fighters to produce some of the most compelling match-ups on television. Headlining the show is boxing champ Floyd Mayweather (with the assistance of hip-hop star Rick Ross) managing the Money Mayweather Boys, along with hip-hop heavyweights Ludacris and Nelly representing Team Luda and Team Nelly (respectively); T.I. with the help of Big Kuntry, Young Dro, DJ Drama and Alpha Omega leading Team Grand Hustle; Juelz Santana and Jim Jones heading Dipset; and Lil Jon with the Head Busters.

"When I heard BET was bringing IRON RING to the air ... I wanted to be involved in any way I could," said team owner Ludacris. "... What people will get out of IRON RING is that it's less about the man in the fight and more about the fight in the man."

With $100,000 in prize money up for grabs, these skilled competitors go toe-to-toe in the IRON RING using the combined fighting techniques of jiu-jitsu, judo, karate, boxing, kickboxing and wrestling. From competitive team tryouts and grueling practices to the final face-off at the live championship, IRON RING not only exposes the hardcore sport of mixed martial arts, but also uniquely explores the human element by providing insight into the lives of the fighters and coaches.

"With IRON RING, BET is delivering on our mission of providing a wide range of programming for our audience, while also creating another forum for black athletes to showcase their martial arts talent," said Reginald Hudlin, President of Entertainment for BET.

IRON RING is produced by Zilo Live, Inc. in association with the Warrington Hudlin Organization. Executive Producers are Campbell McLaren and David Isaacs, originators of the popular Ultimate Fighting Championship(R) franchise, along with Warrington Hudlin, best known as the producer of the popular feature films House Party and Boomerang.

Integrated marketing partnerships include Sony PlayStation's "God of War," Old Spice and Summit Entertainment's film "Never Back Down" featuring Djimon Hounsou.

Zilo Live creates and produces groundbreaking mixed martial arts (MMA) television programming and events. Company founders David Isaacs and Campbell McLaren created The Ultimate Fighting Championship(R) and pioneered the now mainstream sport of mixed martial arts (MMA). Zilo Live is a subsidiary of Zilo Networks, a leading creator and distributor of celebrity, event and reality programming.

The Warrington Hudlin Organization is a celebrated media producer known for its artistic innovation, social consciousness, and commitment to diversity. The company's current production portfolio includes motion pictures, television, and online interactive programming for the internet.


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