BBC Three has secured a deal to deliver exclusive Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) content.
The channel, which completed its transformation to become a digital-only platform last week, will offer exclusive behind the scenes and preview content from UFC’s events across the world.
Damian Kavanagh, controller of BBC Three, said, “BBC Three has a history of covering emerging sports that appeal to young audiences in new ways, and our coverage of UFC will be no different.
“We already offer sport on The Daily Drop and it’s right we cover one of the fastest growing, and most talked-about sports in the world, which has millions of fans in the UK, all in a BBC Three way. The deal is mutually beneficial and demonstrates how BBC Three can experiment with new types of content, from new partners, in new ways.”
The platform will also provide live commentary and post-fight videos and interviews via its Daily Drop blog.
“We are thrilled to be recognised as a valuable asset for BBC Three and the wider BBC Sport team,” said James Elliot, UFC’s EMEA chief.
“Audiences across the UK and Ireland are becoming more and more knowledgeable about the skill, athleticism and ethics of MMA fighters and the great events and content produced by the UFC, which is driving fans to seek content from media outlets.
“BBC Three is a perfect fit for UFC and we look forward to an exciting year working together to bring great content to their audiences.”
