On the MMA front, Did people see that BT Sport have got the rights for UFC for 3 years starting this summer?
Not sure what to make of it really but seems they really are going all out with their sport trying to pick up as much good stuff as they can. Sounds like they wont only be showing the main events but also add some other programmes like some behind the scenes shows etc and try and make a big deal of promoting it. Can only be good for UFC in this country I guess.
BT's new sports channels will become the home of UFC mixed martial events and lifestyle programming from August 3. The three–year partnership will see broadcasts of all UFC's live and taped output and, for the first time, will include originally produced programmes for the UK and Irish audience.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship has ambitions to grow its already strong UK fan base alongside its global brand. The initiative is being led by Garry Cook, the seasoned sports executive who took up the role eight months ago.
"The keys to success for UFC, in broadcast terms, are to identify strategic partners who are committed to building the business together – beyond just airing non–European premium live content," explained Cook, executive vice president and managing director of UFC in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. "The UFC's elite performance athletes are the most committed and dedicated in the world of sport. This new relationship will help people gain a more in–depth understanding of the sport, the fighters and our brand."
The UK and Ireland is considered a major market by the UFC and it hopes to forge a key strategic partnership with BT Sport. "The partnership is about developing the business, the brand and the sport," said Cook.
"It's not just about airing the fights, but developing the narrative around this sport, which has great exponents. They train harder, work harder, and are revered by the team sports. Time and again, rugby players and footballers are full of admiration for our athletes and we need to be able to tell that story."
UFC programming on BT Sport
• More than 400 hours of programming over three years
• Coverage starts with UFC 163 live from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where Jose Aldo defends the UFC featherweight title against Anthony Pettis on August 3.
• More than 30 UFC events throughout the year
• The Ultimate Fighter series
• A weekly UK–dedicated UFC magazine show plus UFC magazine programmes produced in the USA
How to watch UFC on BT Sport
BT Sport will be free for anyone who subscribes to BT Broadband. The channels can also be obtained for £15 per month with a £3 supplement for HD.
There will be three ways to access BT Sport programming: via BT Infinity, via a Sky box (whether or not you're a Sky subscriber) and via btsport.com