Viacom International Media Networks has acquired rights across multiple markets in Asia to the Bellator mixed martial arts promotion.
Bellator is owned by US media conglomerate Viacom and VIMN has struck the deal with Electus International, a division of media company IAC.
Under the agreement, the movie-focused Paramount Channel will be Bellator’s exclusive new home, commencing in January. The length of the contract was not disclosed but viewers in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, Taiwan and the Pacific Islands will have access to the exclusive linear broadcast transmission of Bellator’s world championship events from venues around the world.
The World Screen website added that there is also the potential for further collaboration with Bellator to stage events in Asia in the future.
“The introduction of Bellator MMA on Paramount Channel is significant as we are amplifying Paramount’s focus on distinctive high-quality programming, offering viewers exclusive fight sports entertainment in addition to movies of various genres,” Paras Sharma, senior vice-president and general manager for Southeast Asia at VIMN, said.
“More importantly, with the flourishing MMA scene and appetite for fight content in Southeast Asia, this addition can’t be more timely as we bring the pure adrenaline of Bellator to many MMA fans in the region.”