Cheers, Eleven Sports.
BT Sport will continue to exclusively broadcast UFC events and fight nights in the UK.
Fight fans will be gassed to hear that the premier MMA organisation will be calling BT Sport home “into 2019 and beyond.”
A potential deal with Eleven Sports was going to see the UFC leave BT as of January.
However the UFC triggered an exit clause in its contract with Eleven before their first broadcast. A decision which comes after reports that the service risks folding within four months of launching.
BT’s contract, which begins in January, means all live UFC numbered and Fight Night events will continue to be shown on BT Sport on TV and the channel’s two digital platforms.
Andy Haworth, managing director of strategy and content in BT Consumer, said: “BT Sport and UFC have been partners since our launch in 2013, and we’re delighted this will now continue.
“We’ve worked hard to offer fans high-quality, fresh and innovative UFC coverage across all of our channels, and in particular on social media, which fans are responding really well to.
“This is great news for our viewers, who can continue to enjoy UFC with BT Sport.”
David Shaw, UFC’s international and content senior vice president, said: “BT Sport have proven to be an engaged, committed and passionate partner.
“We have worked closely together to grow the sport, brand and athletes in the UK and Ireland over the past five years.
“Our fans have made it clear how much they enjoy BT’s coverage of UFC and we are delighted to continue our partnership with them.”
