?Reported by Adam Martin of WrestleView.com

On Tuesday, May 3, 2005 at 5:10 PM EST

It was announced earlier today by Spike TV and Ultimate Fighting Championship that both had come to an agreement for new programming in August. The new agreement will see two new seasons of "The Ultimate Fighter" reality series, which will start on Monday, August 22 at 11pm ET/10pm CT. This is the same timeslot the show had for its first season that just recently came to conclusion. It should also be noted that there is plans to air six live fight cards this year and in 2006. Some talk has started of possibly airing a 26 episode series showing past UFC highlights from past PPV events, although that has yet to be confirmed.

The announcement of this new deal by Spike TV is the network's first move in replacing WWE programming which will be leaving later this year in October. It is no secret that Spike is doing everything they can to make sure their line-up is strong once all World Wrestling Entertainment programming leaves as it was the single reason the network drew its highest ratings sinces its inception and previously when it was known as TNN (The National Network).

Speaking of this, it should be noted that Spike TV officials have had discussions with both TNA, WEW (Women's Extreme Wrestling) and a new group lead by Kevin Sullivan and JJ Dillon about potential pro wrestling programming once WWE leaves later this year. There remains no word on how serious the talks have progressed with any of the groups since the intial meetings took place. Spike TV has yet to comment publicly on what programming would be replacing WWE RAW in October in the Monday evening 9pm ET/8pm CT timeslot.

Credit: Mike Johnson @ PWInsider.com