Channel 5 Set to Broadcast Live UFC London Match

LONDON: British network Channel 5 has partnered with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to broadcast the mixed martial arts organization’s inaugural EMEA Fight Night next month.

The live free-to-air broadcast of UFC Fight Night London: Gustafsson vs. Manuwa will begin March 8 at 9 p.m. at London’s O2 Arena. The showdown will be followed by highlights until 11 p.m. This marks the first time a UFC event is broadcast live to a terrestrial audience in the region.

The match is scheduled to be the first of six held this year throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The next fight is slated for broadcast from Abu Dhabi on April 11.

“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,” said Garry Cook, the executive VP and managing director of UFC EMEA. “The UFC are incredibly proud of the EMEA Fight Night that will we will be hosting throughout 2014, showcasing some of our incredible talent at Saturday prime time, across the regions to millions of existing and new fans.”