Mark Cuban Discusses New MMA Venture On HDNet

In an e-mail Q&A with SI.com’s Luke O’Brien, Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban said of his new “HDNet Fights” venture, “I think there is a lot of opportunity in MMA. The UFC has grown the sport considerably, but there is still plenty of room for another player."  He added, "It’s great content for HDNet and it’s a great reason to get in the game.” Cuban said MMA can “have a bright future if the athletes evolve into professional, full-time pros. Until then, there will be a lot of disparity between the top and bottom levels. Our hope is that I can bring a lot of what I have learned with the Mavs to the sport and the training, care and development of athletes.” Cuban said of offering fighters health insurance, having them sign non-exclusive contracts and encouraging them to form a labor union, “If the fighters can’t focus on their profession full-time, then the quality of fights won’t be there and the fans will know it. The quality of athletes will grow significantly if they know they can make this a full-time job at an early age.” Responding to a O’Brien's comment that the name “HDNet Fights” is "about as exciting as a lamppost,” Cuban wrote, “I own HDNet. Calling it anything else would make me as dumb as a lamppost.”  Cuban “did not reply to questions on steroids in MMA and discussions he’s had with [WWE Chair] Vince McMahon” (SI.com, 10/9).