UFC, the leading organization in mixed martial arts globally, has inked a multi-year broadcasting rights extension with ESPN Australia and New Zealand.
This deal solidifies ESPN as the go-to destination for UFC enthusiasts in the region. Negotiated with the assistance of IMG, the agreement ensures comprehensive coverage of all 30 UFC Fight Night events annually, along with airing all 12 UFC pay-per-view prelims. Additionally, ESPN will showcase original programming such as UFC Countdown, The Ultimate Fighter, and Dana White’s Contender Series, promising an exciting lineup for fans in Australia and New Zealand.
“ESPN has been a great partner to us, and we’re thrilled they will continue to broadcast our events in Australia and New Zealand,” said Peter Kloczko, UFC Vice President Australia & New Zealand.
“Our roster of talent from Australia and New Zealand has never been stronger, and we’re excited to continue to work with ESPN to keep promoting these athletes, building local stars, and broadcasting the best combat sports events in the world to our incredible fans here.”
“We’re excited ESPN will continue to carry the most comprehensive coverage of UFC to round out all the live action for UFC fans,” said Kylie Watson-Wheeler, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of The Walt Disney Company and responsible for ESPN across Asia Pacific.
“Our ESPN programming packs a punch with live events every week across the year and there’s so much local talent – such as UFC Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, Israel Adesanya, Robert Whittaker and Tai Tuivasa – in the UFC Octagon for Australians and New Zealanders to get behind.”
The news comes just weeks after Kayo Sports signed a multi-year deal with the UFC which will see the Main Event become the exclusive pay-per-view channel for UFC fights in Australia.