The UFC has been dealt a hammer blow as CBS have confirmed that MMA will be broadcast on one of the major U.S television networks for the first time.

The network has confirmed a TV deal with ProElite Inc., the parent company of EliteXC - the UFC's rival promotion in the States.

The two companies have signed a multi-year agreement that includes four live EliteXC events per year. The two-hour live primetime specials will be held on Saturday nights, likely commencing in April.

Kelly Kahl, Senior Executive Vice President of CBS Primetime, said: "Mixed martial arts is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country and a wildly popular entertainment vehicle for upscale, young adult audiences.

"It’s original programming for Saturday night. It’s live, creating an event-atmosphere, and it’s something that hasn’t been seen on network television, until now."

EliteXC President Gary Shaw added: "Our world-class fighters and the high production value of our events continue to drive ProElite as a global MMA organization that is fortified by the bedrock foundation of a partnership with CBS.

"Broadcasting our events on CBS will instantly engage a new fan base, as well as provide an opportunity for EliteXC to further establish itself as the world’s premier MMA organization."

The fact that EliteXC - and not the UFC, the worldwide MMA leader - landed the first network-television deal is a massive blow to the Dana White-led UFC.

White and the UFC were involved in "advanced negotiations" with CBS towards the end of 2007, only for a possible deal to collapse after neither party could agree terms relating to the creative content of the shows.

EliteXC was founded as a partnership with Showtime Networks Inc. in 2006. The organization’s events, which are held under the EliteXC and ShowXC banners, currently air on Showtime.

Showtime is owned by CBS.