Channel 5 has secured the rights to broadcast the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s inaugural EMEA Fight Night from the O2 Arena in London.
UFC bosses say the deal to screen the Gustafsson vs Manuwa bout on 8th March “is in part due to the incredible demand for UFC programming in the UK”.
They also say the event and will be the first time a UFC fight has been broadcast live to a UK terrestrial audience.
In addition to the main event, Channel 5 will show highlights of the rest of the card until 11 p.m
Garry Cook, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of UFC EMEA, said: “This gives the entire British public the opportunity to watch UFC programming live on free to air TV and we are very excited to be working with Channel 5 to provide this experience.
“The UFC are incredibly proud of the EMEA FIGHT NIGHTS that will we will be hosting throughout 2014, showcasing some of our incredible talent at Saturday primetime, across the regions to millions of existing and new fans.”
Channel 5 Commissioning Editor Factual, Simon Raikes said: “UFC is the best of mixed martial arts, ideal to complement our existing fighting stable. We’re genuinely excited to welcome such a riveting sport to Channel 5.”