Plans for UFC 99 change again

Zuffa’s plans for UFC 99 in Cologne, Germany, may not have changed by 180 degrees, but they have by at least 90 degrees. Even though those responsible for the negotiations would neither confirm nor deny it, Sherdog.com has learned that sports channel DSF is now the frontrunner to land the lucrative UFC rights.

The Munich-based special interest channel was originally thought not to be interested in airing mixed martial arts in any format after having great trouble with the people behind the Martial Arts Xtreme reality show -- a poorly done TUF clone that aired in autumn 2006. MAX’s owners at the time allegedly left with the channel’s money without putting on a live finale.

Should DSF be awarded the contract, it can be interpreted as a “small solution.” ProSieben, which Zuffa’s intermediaries had been talking to previously as well, would have brought a multitude of viewers to the table compared to the numbers DSF is going to draw. However, ProSieben is currently in deep waters economically with the program director changing every three months, so Zuffa may have gotten the impression that they would not provide a stable environment for the UFC.

DSF, which has also been airing the WWE on tape delay for the past couple of years, is tentatively shooting to air the first event in April. However, there appear to be no plans for live transmissions anytime soon, as the channel has reserved the right to edit content they do not deem suitable for their audience. A similar approach is used by DMAX, the second channel Zuffa is talking to. They have apparently asked whether they can edit out sequences showing blood on TUF.

As for the live event, there will be less tickets available for the general public than previously expected. While the Lanxess Arena does have a maximum attendance of 20,000 spectators, around 1,000 of those seats will be unavailable due to production reasons.

The main event has changed completely as well: With both Couture (recently underwent surgery on his elbow) and Liddell (will fight Shogun in April) out, the UFC is floating the idea of putting Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic, who is possibly returning, into the main event against either Tito Ortiz or Lyoto Machida. The problem, sources say, is that Ortiz does not want to move up to heavyweight, while Cro Cop does not want to go down to 205 pounds.

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Cheick Kongo, a bout that was previously negotiated a little more than a year ago, may become the co-headliner. A possible lightweight title defense by B.J. Penn depends on the outcome of his Jan. 31 superfight against Georges St. Pierre. Otherwise Kenny Florian may be held off from his second title shot with a clash against Diego Sanchez should the “Nightmare” defeat Joe Stevenson at UFC 95.

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