Press Release: BET Slams Into the Arena of MMA with Iron Ring

Introducing celebrities from theworlds of hip-hop, sports and Hollywood to the competitive ranks of mixedmartial arts (MMA), BET showcases a twist to this exciting format with itsnew original series IRON RING premiering Tuesday, March 18 at 11 p.m. ET/PT. IRON RING, a 13-episode half-hour weekly series showcasing mixed martialarts-- the fastest-growing new sports format in entertainment -- pairs celebrity team owners, trainers and fighters to produce some of the most compellingmatch-ups on television. Headlining the show is boxing champ FloydMayweather (with the assistance of hip-hop star Rick Ross) managing the Money Mayweather Boys, along with hip-hop heavyweights Ludacris and Nellyrepresenting Team Luda and Team Nelly (respectively); T.I. with the help of Big Kuntry, Young Dro, DJ Drama and Alpha Omega leading Team Grand Hustle;Juelz Santana and Jim Jones heading Dipset; and Lil Jon with the HeadBusters. "When I heard BET was bringing IRON RING to the air ... I wanted to be involved in any way I could," said team owner Ludacris. "... What people will get out of IRON RING is that it's less about the man in the fight andmore about the fight in the man." With $100,000 in prize money up for grabs, these skilled competitors gotoe-to-toe in the IRON RING using the combined fighting techniques ofjiu-jitsu, judo, karate, boxing, kickboxing and wrestling. From competitiveteam tryouts and grueling practices to the final face-off at the livechampionship, IRON RING not only exposes the hardcore sport of mixed martialarts, but also uniquely explores the human element by providing insight intothe lives of the fighters and coaches." With IRON RING, BET is delivering on our mission of providing a wide rangeof programming for our audience, while also creating another forum for black athletes to showcase their martial arts talent," said Reginald Hudlin,President of Entertainment for BET. IRON RING is produced by Zilo Live, Inc. in association with the WarringtonHudlin Organization. Executive Producers are Campbell McLaren and DavidIsaacs, originators of the popular Ultimate Fighting Championship franchise, along with Warrington Hudlin, best known as the producer of the popular feature films House Party and Boomerang. Integrated marketing partnerships include Sony PlayStation's "God of War,"Old Spice and Summit Entertainment's film "Never Back Down" featuring Djimon Hounsou. For up-to-the-minute and archival press information including releases andphotographs, visit BET's press-only Web site at http://www.bet.com/pr.For show highlights and access to the exclusive IRON RING blog, visithttp://www.bet.com/ironring.