UFC boss sets mob drama at Spike

By Kimberly Nordyke

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Men's cable network Spike TV has put a hit out on the Irish mob, ordering a two-hour drama pilot that will shoot in Boston this fall.

The untitled project centers on the explosive fallout when a Boston mob boss vacates his position and rival factions face off in a battle to control the streets. Walter Hill ("48 Hrs.") will direct.

The film is the brainchild of Dana White, the president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and the host of Spike's series "The Ultimate Fighter." White said he came up with the idea about three years ago and brought Chris Bertolini ("The General's Daughter") on board to write the script.

"I know who I'm catering to, and that's 18- to 34-year-old males who are the ones watching Spike TV," White said. "We're going to push the limits on this show, like 'Nip/Tuck' and 'The Shield' -- violence, sex, bad language. We're going to see how big Spike's balls are on this one."

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter