UFC signs TV deal with Five
UFC UK President Marshall Zelaznik
BRITISH fans of mixed martial arts have been handed a boost with news the UFC has agreed a deal with Five to screen events on a delayed basis.
The landmark agreement means anyone with a TV can watch bouts involving the best fighters in the world’s leading MMA promotion for FREE.
A regular show called UFC Main Event will showcase the top fights from the promotion’s biggest upcoming cards.
To kick off the series, Five will air UFC 102: Main Event at midnight on September 14. It will feature the classic encounter between Randy Couture and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, which took place last month.
In addition to this, Five’s sister channel — Five USA, — becomes the new home of the UFC’s groundbreaking reality TV series The Ultimate Fighter.
UFC UK division president Marshall Zelaznik said: “This is a huge step for the UFC in the UK.
“We are delighted to partner up with Five, who are trailblazers in their approach to both sports and programming, and bring the best bouts and the world’s greatest fighters to the largest possible audience.
“We know we are going to create a whole new generation of UFC fans on Five. The UFC continues to smash records at the biggest arenas in the British Isles for our live events and form partnerships with the biggest names in British broadcasting.”
Robert Charles, Five’s head of sport said: “We are excited to add the UFC to our sports portfolio and, indeed, add the Ultimate Fighter reality TV series to Five USA.
“We are well aware of the impact the UFC has made in the UK over the last few years and believe this is the perfect time for Five to climb inside the Octagon.
“In the UFC, the best fight the best on every single event and Five are proud to bring the very best UFC action to our viewers.
“Over the coming months, all the biggest names from the fastest growing sport in the world will be in action on Five.”
Credit: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/ufc/2627736/UFC-signs-TV-deal-with-Five.html