Ever the bandwagon jumper (poker, anyone?), ESPN is making a move to get into the MMA game. Dave Meltzer reports over at Yahoo Sports that ESPN is planning a reality show focused on the lighter weight classes:

Several sources within mixed martial arts have confirmed that cable network ESPN is making moves to get into the sport.

The plans appear to involve a reality show that would be taped during the spring, looking at using featherweight, lightweight and middleweight fighters. No other details of the show are available, other then a loose idea of modeling it after “The Contender,” the boxing show the network recently dropped.

Most significantly, they’re planning to use non-UFC talent. They’re apparently interested in several former EliteXC competitors but so far Pro Elite hasn’t released them from their contracts. As far as we’re concerned, any venue for fighters to fight is a good development.

ESPN plans MMA reality show @ Yahoo Sports