FIC Scores Rights to UFC

HONG KONG: FOX International Channels (FIC) has secured the multi-year exclusive TV distribution rights for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), bringing the sport to its FOX and FOX Movies Premium channels in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Southeast Asia.

FOX will air season 15 of the U.S. reality series The Ultimate Fighter beginning March 17. Every Saturday night, FOX will air the best of UFC programming in a block called UFC Fight Night. The content will now be available in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Southeast Asia on FOX and FOX Movies Premium. The channels will also offer behind-the-scenes specials and fighter profiles.

“FIC’s partnership with the UFC is breaking new ground by connecting audiences in Asia to the fastest growing sport in the world,” said Ward Platt, the president of Asia Pacific and the Middle East at FOX International Channels. “We are already the leaders in general entertainment with the best series and movies, so this is a way for us to also bring live event television to our audiences.”

“There is a rapidly-growing base of die-hard UFC fans in Asia,” said Mark Fischer, the managing director of Asia for the Ultimate Fighting Championship. “With FIC’s great channel brands and leading position, we can’t think of better pay-TV network to partner with to reach these fans.”