MMA Forum

Good news just read this in the paper..

"BRITISH fans of mixed martial arts have been handed a boost with news the UFC has agreed a deal with Five to screen events on a delayed basis.
The landmark agreement means anyone with a TV can watch bouts involving the best fighters in the world's leading MMA promotion for FREE.

A regular show called UFC Main Event will showcase the top fights from the promotion's biggest upcoming cards.

To kick off the series, Five will air UFC 102: Main Event at midnight on September 14. It will feature the classic encounter between Randy Couture and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, which took place last month.

In addition to this, Five's sister channel — Five USA, — becomes the new home of the UFC's groundbreaking reality TV series The Ultimate Fighter.

UFC UK division president Marshall Zelaznik said: "This is a huge step for the UFC in the UK.

"We are delighted to partner up with Five, who are trailblazers in their approach to both sports and programming, and bring the best bouts and the world's greatest fighters to the largest possible audience.

"We know we are going to create a whole new generation of UFC fans on Five. The UFC continues to smash records at the biggest arenas in the British Isles for our live events and form partnerships with the biggest names in British broadcasting."

Robert Charles, Five's head of sport said: "We are excited to add the UFC to our sports portfolio and, indeed, add the Ultimate Fighter reality TV series to Five USA.

"We are well aware of the impact the UFC has made in the UK over the last few years and believe this is the perfect time for Five to climb inside the Octagon.

"In the UFC, the best fight the best on every single event and Five are proud to bring the very best UFC action to our viewers.

"Over the coming months, all the biggest names from the fastest growing sport in the world will be in action on Five."

Good news indeed!

i thought channel 4 would have snatched it as 200 hours lost from big brother

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wow ufc will become hug in the uk i luv it !!!

Sooooo if 5 are now showing UFC fights - why the hell am i still subscribing to ESPN? will there be no more pay per view???

CH5 airs it at a later date after ESPN and only showed 3 of the fights last night so still worth subscribing really.

This is great news for MMA! It will increase the sports exposure within the UK which can only be a good thing. I think FIVE will do well out of it too.

ESPN is still need cos like GalenFrost said the showings on FIVE will be delayed, not live. I used to watch all of the UFC events on Bravo a couple of years ago as they had this contract and showed all UFC events the following week after they happend, so I guess it will be the same setup at FIVE.

They've also got the delayed version of The Ultimate Fighter which is starting this week!

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ooo go on then ill stay subscribed to ESPN
At least ill be able to watch ultimate fighter from any tv then!

Hopefully this will be a really good thing for serious MMA

That Is Posablyy The Greatest News Ive Ever Heard, So Even If You Have Preview Youd Be Able To Watch It So It Is Basically 100% Free!!!!!

I Agree This Will Realy Promote And Help Mma To Realy Become A Sport Known Worldwide Everywere Even My Grandad Will No About The Sport After This Hahaa!