The UFC and Bellator are going to have some mainstream competition between now and 2016.

After a successful debut event in November, the World Series of Fighting has signed a three-year deal with NBC Sports set to include a minimum of six events in that time span.

The events will air live and also stream on NBCSports.com and MMA Junkie was the first media outlet to break the news.

"We are thrilled to call NBC Sports Network the home of World Series of Fighting," gushed WSOF President Ray Sefo.

"This partnership will allow us to build the World Series of Fighting brand of world-class MMA competition before a dedicated national audience of passionate sports fans and place our athletes on the big stage that they deserve."

The first event to be aired under the new agreement is set for the Revel Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey on March 23. The headlining bout features former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski against Anthony “Rumble” Johnson.

While Johnson has recently found a career-resurgence at light heavyweight since being cut from the UFC early last year, winning four in a row (including three knockouts), his fight with Arlovski will be contested at heavyweight.

The regional scene has also treated “The Pitbull” very well, going 4-0-1 in his past five (scoring three KO’s) after losing four in a row between Jan. 2009 and Feb. 2011.

Will the WSOF be able to provide some legitimate competition to the UFC and Bellator or will the organization ultimately flop?