Japanese pay-television operator Wowow has reclaimed rights to the Ultimate Fighting Championship, seemingly replacing DAZN as the promotion’s broadcast partner in Japan.
Wowow will show at least UFC ‘numbered’ events, which are shown on pay-per-view in the US. A press release from the UFC implies that Wowow will not show any other events.
Streaming platform DAZN previously held exclusive UFC rights in a deal that began in September 2016. Should Wowow not hold rights to Fight Night events, DAZN may have the opportunity to continue its partnership with the UFC.
Prior to DAZN’s deal, Wowow had been the UFC’s broadcast partner in Japan since 2002.