If you are a fan of mixed martial arts (MMA), you are in for a treat. Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), India’s major media powerhouse, has announced the extension of its exclusive media rights deal with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the world’s premier MMA organization, for five years until 2028. The deal covers India and the Indian subcontinent, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
What’s in it for You?
Under the renewed partnership, SPNI will continue to bring you 42 live UFC events every year, including 12 numbered pay-per-view events and 30 UFC Fight Night events, along with additional content that includes original programs UFC Countdown, UFC Connected, a variety of archive content, and Dana White’s Contender Series, a 10-episode live fight series which features up-and-coming talent trying to secure a contract with UFC.
SPNI will also continue to broadcast live in Asia prime time the ground-breaking “win and advance” tournament for Asia’s top MMA prospects, ROAD TO UFC. Four Indian athletes have participated in the tournament, with Season 1 winner Anshul Jubli earning a UFC contract, becoming only the second Indian-born athlete to compete in UFC.
You can watch all the UFC action on SONY TEN 2 in English, SONY TEN 3 in Hindi and SONY TEN 4 in Tamil and Telugu, and on SPNI’s premium video on demand (VOD) service, SonyLIV.
Why it Matters
The deal is a win-win situation for both SPNI and UFC, as it reflects their mutual commitment to grow the sport of MMA in India and the region. SPNI has been the exclusive home for UFC in India since 2012, and has helped to expand the UFC brand and fan base in the country through its innovative and engaging programming and promotions.
UFC has also recognized the potential and importance of India as a strategic market, as it offers a huge and young fan base, a growing talent pool, and a rising demand for premium sports content. UFC has invested in developing local fighters, such as Anshul Jubli and Puja Tomar, who have joined the UFC roster, marking a significant milestone for the sport in India.
The deal also aligns with SPNI’s vision to become the ultimate destination for sports fans in India, as it adds to its impressive portfolio of sports properties, which includes WWE, NBA, UEFA Champions League, LaLiga, Serie A, and FA Cup.
What to Look Forward to
The deal promises to deliver more exciting and thrilling action for MMA fans in India and the region, as they can enjoy the best of UFC on SPNI’s platforms. Fans can look forward to watching some of the biggest stars and fights in UFC, such as Conor McGregor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Jon Jones, Amanda Nunes, Israel Adesanya, and Francis Ngannou, among others.
The deal also opens up new opportunities for aspiring and emerging MMA fighters in India and the region, as they can showcase their skills and talents on the global stage of UFC, and inspire the next generation of fighters and fans.
SPNI and UFC’s partnership is a testament to their vision, strategy, and execution, as they aim to take the sport of MMA to new heights in India and the region. SPNI and UFC’s exclusive media rights deal is not only a symbol of quality and innovation, but also a source of pride and inspiration for the country.
