UFC signs new television contract in UK, Ireland

UFC is remaining on BT Sport.

The promotion announced Wednesday that it has renewed its broadcasting deal with BT Sport, which will see the channel retain exclusive television rights to the UFC in the United Kingdom and Ireland. According to a press release, BT Sport is committed to more than 150 hours of live UFC programming a year. The channel will now air every main card and non-Fight Pass prelim fight live, in addition to other programming.

Terms of the new deal were not announced, however, The Sun is reporting that the deal expires at the end of 2018.

"There is no doubt that our initial partnership with BT Sport placed UFC and the sport of MMA in front of an engaged sports audience," James Elliott, general manager and vice president of UFC Europe, Middle East and Africa, stated, "and helped to grow the sport in the UK and Ireland. This renewal is a signal from both organizations that there is clearly more to come and that BT Sport provides the perfect platform on which to continue to grow the sport of MMA and UFC. The potential for growth for both organizations is huge and we are delighted to be continuing our partnership and to building something special."

BT Sport first acquired the UFC TV rights in 2013. That contract is set to expire at the end of July.