The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has renewed its exclusive media rights partnership with U-NEXT, Japan’s leading digital entertainment platform, in a long-term agreement that extends through 2031.
The deal cements U-NEXT’s position as the exclusive home of UFC in Japan and strengthens the promotion’s ongoing expansion across Asia.
Under the new agreement, U-NEXT will continue to live stream every UFC event, including flagship UFC Numbered pay-per-view cards, UFC Fight Night, and ROAD TO UFC. The expanded partnership also includes additional programming such as The Ultimate Fighter, Dana White’s Contender Series, and UFC Countdown, all available via live broadcast and unlimited on-demand viewing. Each broadcast will feature localized Japanese commentary and in-depth studio coverage tailored for the region’s growing MMA audience.
Kevin Chang, UFC Senior Vice President and Head of Asia, said, “We are delighted to continue our partnership with U-NEXT. Over the past three years, U-NEXT has been an outstanding partner, helping grow UFC’s presence in Japan, a pioneering market for mixed martial arts, with incredible talent and passionate fans. From original programming that follows Japanese athletes competing on the global stage, to innovative digital media strategies across social platforms, U-NEXT has been an invaluable partner in elevating the UFC brand. With the addition of Dana White’s Contender Series, we’re thrilled that Japanese audiences will have even greater access to UFC’s world-class content, and we look forward to continued growth together in this market.”
Tenshin Tsutsumi, CEO, U-NEXT Co. Ltd., added, “We are truly delighted to extend our partnership with UFC. Through this long-term agreement running through 2031, we take great pride and responsibility in delivering the true essence of this incredible sport and the challenges undertaken by Japanese athletes competing on the world’s biggest stage. As a platform firmly rooted in Japan, U-NEXT will continue striving to deepen fan engagement and help foster a more mature and enduring culture of watching mixed martial arts in this country. At its core, MMA embodies a primal and universal question: ‘Who is the strongest?’ There is a primal power in this sport that speaks directly to the instincts of those who watch. UFC, standing at the apex of that pursuit, combines unmatched skill and magnetic appeal. We are honored to continue bringing the power, drama, and spirit of the UFC to audiences throughout Japan, and to serve as a bridge connecting Japanese fans and fighters to the pinnacle of this extraordinary sport.”
Beyond live broadcasts, U-NEXT plans to expand its UFC coverage with original programming, behind-the-scenes features, and commentary from veteran Japanese fighters such as Masanori Kanehara, Tatsuya Kawajiri, and Tsuyoshi Kohsaka. Active athletes like Kai Asakura and Kyoji Horiguchi will also appear as guest analysts, further connecting fans to Japan’s top MMA talent competing on the global stage.
Since first partnering in 2023, U-NEXT has driven significant audience growth for UFC content in Japan, fueled by its immersive presentation and localized storytelling. The platform’s growing sports portfolio, which includes major international boxing and combat sports properties, aligns with a broader shift among streaming services investing in exclusive live sports rights to boost engagement and subscriber loyalty.
The renewed agreement ensures UFC’s stable broadcast presence in one of its most important Asian markets, while offering Japanese fans an unmatched gateway to the world of mixed martial arts. Over the next six years, U-NEXT subscribers can expect unprecedented access to UFC’s global events, star athletes, and the stories that define the sport’s relentless pursuit of greatness.
