UK public-service broadcaster the BBC has agreed a digital streaming rights deal with the Ultimate Fighting Championship mixed martial arts series.
Under the deal, the broadcaster’s BBC Three online platform will stream various UFC video content such as previews, post-fight reaction and behind-the-scenes material.
Content will be made available through the new Daily Drop streaming platform, BBC Three’s live page and the official BBC Three social media accounts, including the platform’s channel on video-sharing website YouTube.
BBC Three will also produce short films and content on mixed martial arts and UFC athletes such as Conor McGregor (pictured), Holy Holm, Ronda Rousey and Michael Bisping.
BBC Three controller Damian Kavanagh said: “The deal is mutually beneficial and demonstrates how BBC Three can experiment with new types of content, from new partners, in new ways.”
James Elliott, general manager and vice-president for the UFC in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, added: “Audiences across the UK & 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.”
The deal will stand separate to the UFC’s other rights contracts.