A new StarzPlay Sports UFC streaming channel is set to debut, featuring UFC 300: PEREIRA vs. HILL and streaming all live UFC events.
UFC, the MMA organisation globally and part of TKO Group Holdings, has joined forces with StarzPlay to announce an exclusive multi-year broadcast partnership for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Under this agreement, a dedicated 24/7 StarzPlay Sports UFC channel will be launched across the region, accompanied by comprehensive UFC content integration on the StarzPlay App, accessible via internet-enabled devices, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and regional IPTV services.
StarzPlay will livestream every UFC event, including all preliminary bouts, ensuring fans catch every moment of the action. Additionally, StarzPlay will produce localised Arabic-language content and offer extensive UFC on-demand content, featuring preview shows and original programmes such as UFC Countdown and UFC Connected.
In addition to thousands of hours of premium entertainment content, StarzPlay’s new sports channel and UFC coverage will be available to all new and existing subscribers throughout MENA via the StarzPlay app on Smart TVs, mobile platforms, and online.
The upcoming weekend will witness a night of action on StarzPlay with UFC 300: PEREIRA vs. HILL streaming live from Las Vegas, commencing with the early prelims at 3:00 AM on Sunday, April 14. The event will be headlined by a light heavyweight championship bout between Alex Pereira and Jamahal Hill, alongside other matchups including Zhang Weili vs. Yan Xiaonan and Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway. The entire card will be exclusively available on StarzPlay.
Commenting on the deal, David Shaw, Executive Vice President, Head of International and Content at UFC, said: “The MENA region is so important to UFC, we have had incredible success hosting live events, alongside our partners at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. Now we will have an incredible platform to broadcast all UFC content to our ever-growing fan base in the Middle East and North Africa. StarzPlay has come on board with fresh and innovative thinking on how to tailor our content across the region and we can’t wait to kick things off with UFC 300.”
Andy Warkman, Head of Sport, StarzPlay, added: “UFC has a longstanding relationship with our home of Abu Dhabi, and we are thrilled to become the new exclusive home of UFC in MENA. UFC has a huge fanbase in the region and StarzPlay is looking forward to partnering with UFC to deliver unparalleled coverage, localised for the region. Our new dedicated StarzPlay Sports UFC channel and UFC on-demand content hub, illustrates our commitment to showcasing world-class sport tailored for MENA viewers.”
UFC has a storied history in the Middle East, with a total of 17 events held in the region since 2010. Yas Island in the UAE also served as the home of Fight Island during the pandemic, enabling UFC events to continue in a safe and secure environment. UFC will be making a return to Abu Dhabi on August 3 for a Fight Night at Etihad Arena and hosting the inaugural UFC event in Saudi Arabia on June 22.
