Spike Partners With MMA Fighter Randy Couture

Deal includes already greenlit 'Fight Master' and 'MMA Rescue' as well as other non-scripted projects

By Tim Baysinger -- Broadcasting & Cable, 2/5/2013 4:29:26 PM

Spike TV has agreed to a creative partnership with MMA fighter and actor Randy Couture.

The deal includes multiple non-scripted projects, including two that have already been greenlit, Fight Master: Bellator MMA and MMA Rescue.

In Fight Master, Couture -- along with coaches/trainers Greg Jackson, Frank Shamrock and Joe Warren -- will train upcoming fighters to compete in the Bellator tournament. Premiering this summer, Spike has ordered 10 one-hour episodes. The Amazing Race's Bertram van Munster and Elise Doganieri of Profiles Television Productions will executive produce.

In MMA Rescue, Couture attempts to turn struggling gyms into thriving enterprises. Spike will pilot the series with three one-hour episodes, with the opportunity to do more. The show is produced by Kinetic Content with Chris Coelen, Couture and Samuel Spira as executive producers.

"We are thrilled to partner with such an emerging star in entertainment and an absolute icon in the sport of mixed martial arts," said Sharon Levy, executive VP, original series, Spike TV.

The deal provides a homecoming of sorts for Couture, who had his first starring role in The Ultimate Fighter in 2005. Ultimate Fighter now airs on FX as part of Fox Sports' deal with the UFC.