The counter-programming battle continues. Tonight as the UFC runs their UFC on Fuel TV show headlined by Diego Sanchez vs. Jake Ellenberger in a key Welterweight fight, Spike TV will host "Fight Night on Spike Featuring Diego Sanchez" - a Diego Sanchez themed UFC Unleashed marathon. The Spike programming begins at 7 p.m. ET and will include Sanchez's fights with Clay Guida, Paulo Thiago, and David Bielkheden, along with various other non-Diego fights.

This isn't the first time Spike has counter-programmed new UFC content with related archival content. Since the UFC left Spike at the end of 2012, their former home has repeatedly used their rights to the UFC library to try and pull viewers in on UFC live event nights, often focusing on the fighters who will be seen live that night.

This Sanchez offering might be particularly successful as the UFC's show tonight is on Fuel TV, a channel in roughly one third the houses of Spike. Despite Fuel offering a free preview this week, there are going to be a lot of UFC fans who find themselves unable to watch tonight's fights. If those fans are craving some UFC, Spike has a perfect alternative for them. Smart move by Spike as they look to capitalize on Fuel's current weakness in the market.

For more on your options tonight, check out How To Watch UFC On Fuel TV Live Tonight.

SBN coverage of UFC on Fuel TV