US cable-television channel Fuel TV has confirmed it will be rebranded as Fox Sports 2 on August 17 to coincide with the launch of Fox Sports 1, the new pay-television channel from the Fox Sports division of the Fox network.
Fox announced in March that Fox Sports 1 would launch on August 17, replacing motorsport cable-television channel Speed.
At the time, Fox played down speculation that it had plans for a second national sports channel but it has long been reported that Fox-owned Fuel TV would also be given the same treatment.
The Fuel TV website has now confirmed the move, stating that Fox Sports 2 will launch as an “extension” of Fox Sports 1 that features “live coverage of sporting events and connects with fans through entertaining studio shows and original programming”.
Fuel TV said Fox Sports 2 will carry various programming from mixed martial arts series the Ultimate Fighting Championship, in addition to some live fights.
Fuel TV added: “You’ll see a variety of programs that ran on Fuel TV carry over to Fox Sports 1 and Fox Sports 2, including the Red Bull X-Fighters World Freestyle Motocross Tour, the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championships, and more.”