Spike TV is launching “Bellator MMA” for iPad, iPhone, and iTouch, as fans can experience mixed martial arts like never before with the world’s most advanced co-viewing MMA app. The app is available on the App Store on Thursday, February 28, with an Android version coming soon to Google Play.
When the Bellator cage door closes and the gloves touch, the innovative app works in concert with the live Spike broadcast to supply real-time fight data to fans that is only available through the app. Developed from the ground up to make watching live fights more immersive, viewers will have the unique ability to track both expansive fighter analytics and participate in the on-air broadcast. As The 4th Judge, fans can score rounds with the help of real-time statistics powered by CompuStrike, a service providing data in 26 categories from arm strikes to submission attempts.
“The Bellator app is truly the first of its kind. It allows our passionate fans to experience the fight as a virtual fourth judge – creating a level of immersion that’s unparalleled in any sport,” said Jon Slusser, Senior Vice President, Sports and Multiplatform Events, Spike TV.
“At Bellator, we continually look for new ways to connect with our fans in a more meaningful way,” said Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney. “This innovative app will resonate with our first-adopter audience who will feel closer to the action than ever before.”
Fan input doesn’t end with the app. As The 4th Judge, viewers will be able to have their opinions known during the live telecast. The Bellator broadcast team of Jimmy Smith and Sean Wheelock will announce the results of viewers’ polling to see how fan opinion compares to their own as well as the official cageside judges. (The 4th Judge voting will not factor in the actual judges’ decisions).
The app features historical statistic breakdowns for every fighter, pre-fight fan picks, and Favorite Fight polling which will be sharable via social networks. The Bellator MMA app also gives fans the opportunity to watch exclusive videos, and dig deep into fighter biographies. Bellator MMA airs live on Spike TV Thursday nights at 10:00pm ET/PT from venues all across North America, featuring many of the world’s best mixed martial arts fighters.
Spike TV partnered with award-winning Omnigon Communications, a digital solutions company specializing in the sports, media and entertainment industries, to create the app.
