UFC And BBC Three Announce Partnership
BBC Three and UFC have formed an editorial and promotional partnership to bring UFC to BBC Three’s newly launched digital platform.
BBC Three will provide users with a selection of UFC content and information, bringing mixed martial arts (MMA) to its audience and providing UFC fans with editorial content.
The partnership kicks off as UFC fighters arrive in London to prepare for UFC Fight Night: Silva versus Bisping, which takes place at The O2 arena on Saturday 27th February.
On the night of the fight, BBC Three will provide a live blog and clips to users as 13 fights take place, featuring nine British athletes, and a main event bout between UK fighter Michael Bisping and Brazilian Anderson Silva.
In addition to this event, on an on-going basis, BBC Three will provide editorial coverage of UFC events within EMEA, with a possibility to also cover international events.
James Elliott, UFC EMEA general manager and vice president, said: “We are thrilled to be recognised as a valuable asset for BBC Three and the wider BBC Sport team.
“Audiences across the UK & Ireland are becoming more and more knowledgeable about the skill, athleticism and ethics of MMA athletes and the great events and content produced by 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.”
Damian Kavanagh, controller, BBC Three, added: “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, 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.”
“Last year we made a documentary featuring MMA and offered live coverage of League of Legends from Wembley with both well received by younger audiences, so in the spirit of innovation, we welcomed the chance to work with the UFC.”
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