CBS may be hitting its mixed martial arts program with the final knockout blow.
CBS is struggling for ratings and fan enthusiasm for the Saturday night primetime show – the first of its kind on broadcast TV. They are flagging it only three months into the show’s premiere.
“EliteXC: Primetime” debuted on CBS last May. It was greeted with some controversy since the no-holds-barred fighting has been available only on pay-per-view and cable TV.
The original plan was to have a primetime fight every other month.
But reportedly, the network was shocked by how badly the last fight, called “Unfinished Business,” did in the ratings.
Despite a poor showing, CBS apparently does not want to give up on the idea of turning the sometime savage mixed martial arts into primetime fare.
Rumors have also resurfaced that CBS is once again in talks with UFC – the first and better-known of the competing fight leagues – to take over the timeslot.
Calls to UFC and CBS were not returned.
Meanwhile, at least one more “EliteXC” match will air – an Oct. 4 match showcasing Kimbo Slice against Ken Shamrock.