CBS has signed a multiyear deal with ProElite to broadcast mixed martial arts events on Saturdays during prime time.

Under the terms of the deal, CBS will broadcast four events each year, the first time mixed martial arts will be broadcast by a major network during prime time. (MyNetworkTV aired International Fight League mixed martial arts events last year.)

CBS Corp. previously had a deal with ProElite to air live mixed martial arts events on Showtime in 2007.

“Mixed martial arts is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country and a wildly popular entertainment vehicle for upscale, young adult audiences,” said Kelly Kahl, senior executive VP for CBS Primetime. “It’s original programming for Saturday night; it’s live, creating an event atmosphere; and it’s something that hasn’t been seen on network television until now.”

Mixed martial arts features fighters competing in a variety of disciplines, including judo, karate, kickboxing and wrestling.

3:15 p.m.: Updated second paragraph