MMAWeekly.com's Scott Petersen is reporting from Japan that K-1 officials are currently talking with people at ESPN on a deal with ESPN and K-1.

Petersen reports that according to the people he has talked with that they are close to a possible deal and the tenative plan would be to have ESPN Television to become co-promoters of K-1 events in the United States.

Petersen said there isn't much interest to have ESPN working in Japan because of the logistical reasons. Petersen said quote "ESPN wants to capitalize on the fame of Bob Sapp. This guy has it all, charisma, athleticism and the body to be a star in America immediately. ESPN thinks they possibly can market him because of his NFL ties."

Since K-1 is kickboxing, there is no "fear factor" that ESPN has to deal with. The "dirty" name of mixed martial arts, more specifically "ultimate fighting" has scared them away in the past because of how some politicans have voiced out concerns.

In another related note, Sapp will NOT be competiting in the upcoming Las Vegas show as first reported because of his injury at the hands of Mirko Cro Cop in the last K-1 event in Japan

Do you think Sapp's ties to MMA along with his ties to K-1 will help in the effort of beinging MMA into a brighter light if ESPN picks up K-1?

Yes, not to mention how sweet it would be to get to watch those on regular tv!