AXS TV re-ups with CES MMA in advance of 39th event

AXS TV will continue to be the home for CES MMA after the network renewed a broadcast deal with the East Coast MMA promotion.

Announced as a new multi-year deal with the regional player, the renewal comes in advance of Friday’s CES MMA 39, which features a middleweight headliner between UFC vet Chuck O’Neil and Wilfredo Santiago, Jr.

AXS TV will carry the event’s main card from Plymouth Memorial Hall in Plymouth, Mass. As usual, UFC Hall of Famer Pat Miletich and Michael Shiavello will provide cageside commentary for the show.

“In a short period of time, CES MMA produced some of the most electrifying events on AXS TV Fights and has become an integral part of our mission to showcase the best up and coming fighters in the world,” stated AXS TV Fights CEO Andrew Simon in a press release. “With this deal and CES’s storied history in combat sports, they are positioned to be the top promotion for emerging fighters in the region.”

CES MMA joins Lion Fight Muay Thai and the newly formed Legacy Fighting Alliance for AXS TV’s 45-event schedule in 2017.

“The team at CES MMA is excited to be renewing our long-term broadcast partnership with AXS TV FIGHTS,” stated CES MMA Vice President Jimmy Burchfield Jr. “Working together over the last several years, we have showcased some of the best East Coast MMA action to an internationally televised audience.

“With the reach of AXS TV Fights, CES MMA has established itself as a major pathway to the UFC, and there’s a lot more talent to come. Be sure to tune in when the CES MMA cage doors lock; we predict you will hear a lot more of ‘Good night, Irene!'”

The broadcast lineup for CES MMA 39 includes:

MAIN CARD (AXS TV, 9 p.m. ET)

• Chuck O’Neil vs. Wilfredo Santiago Jr.
• Saul Almeida vs. Manny Bermudez
• Kevin Haley vs. Mike Rodriguez
• Peter Barrett vs. Jeremy Davis
• Remo Cardarelli vs. Josh Ricci
• Bobby Flynn vs. Micah Terrill
• Max Barrett vs. Dan Dubuque

For additional coverage of CES MMA 39, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.