The renowned sports broadcasting company, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has secured an extension to the broadcast rights of the premier mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
The extension will allow the SPNI to continue delivering exclusive coverage of UFC events in the Indian subcontinent, which includes India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka for five years.
Through 2028, the arrangement will grant exclusive rights to the digital and television media for a variety of UFC events.
Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer – Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Business, Sony Pictures Networks, commented, “We are delighted to extend our partnership with UFC for five more years. Sony Sports Network is the go-to destination for MMA fans in the Indian subcontinent. We have also seen the inclusion of ‘The King of Lions’ aka Anshul Jubli along with Puja Tomar in 2023 has raised interest for UFC in India. Our partnership extension with UFC allows us to continue the exclusive coverage of live UFC events in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu along with an expansive portfolio programming to engage our viewers.”
The agreement firmly establishes SPNI’s dedication to providing fans throughout the subcontinent with top-notch UFC entertainment on Sony Sports Network and SonyLiv. A wide range of archive content, UFC Countdown, UFC Connected, and Dana White’s Contender Series are all included in the extensive rights package. Exclusive coverage of 42 UFC LIVE events,12 Pay-Per-View (PPV), and 30 Fight Night events featuring both main card and preliminary bouts is also included.
Kevin Chang, SVP and Head of Asia, UFC, said, “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Sony Sports Network, which will remain the home for UFC in India. Sony Sports Network has been a valuable and trusted partner, helping to expand the UFC brand in many ways, from their ‘Ultimate Guide to UFC’ show, to their media and social promotions. We’re excited to extend our partnership and ushering in the next generation of Indian talent.”
In addition to live events, Sony Sports Network will keep airing the innovative “win and advance” Road To UFC tournament live in prime time throughout Asia for the region’s best mixed martial arts prospects. To better engage viewers with the rich history of the sport, Sony Sports Network will also have access to archive material.