FOX & UFC announce 7 yr. partnership; 1st event airs November 12th

UFC, the world’s leading mixed martial arts organization and No. 1 Pay-Per-View event provider in the world, finds its perfect media match in FOX, the No. 1 television network in the country. FOX Sports Media Group, the umbrella entity representing FOX Networks Group’s wide array of sports platforms, has reached a multi-year, multi-media rights agreement with Zuffa, LLC, owner of the UFC brand.

The first live event airs Saturday, Nov. 12 at 9:00 PM ET/6:00 PM PT.

Additional programming on multiple FOX networks launches January 2012 and includes live fights, pre and post shows, countdown shows, UFC Unleashed, UFC Primetime, the UFC Knockout series, Best of Pride, weigh-in specials, and much more original content from extensive Zuffa archives. The agreement also provides for developing robust mobile and authenticated online offerings to exploit a vast array of digital platform rights.

In spring 2012, THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER, UFC’s signature weekly reality show moves to FX, FOX’s general entertainment cable network now in more than 99 million homes. 

Dana White, UFC President

We’re excited to be part of the FOX family. The UFC is finally where it belongs on the number one network in the country and aligned with the most prestigious sports properties in the world. I’ve always said that the UFC will be the biggest sport in the world and with this relationship it will become a reality.

Lorenzo Fertitta, Chairman and CEO of the UFC

My brother Frank, Dana and I always believed that our passion for the sport of Mixed Martial Arts would help us to build the UFC into a successful global brand and ultimately make it one of the premier sports properties in the world,. The partnership with FOX is a major step in making this a reality and also builds on the great relationship that we already have established with FOX in Latin America, Australia and Europe.

FSMG President & Co-COO Eric Shanks

Mixed martial arts is not only the fastest growing sport in the world, but also the world’s most exciting form of man-to-man competition, and the UFC is the world’s premier MMA organization. Since FOX Sports is America’s No. 1 sports network and FOX is America’s No. 1 network for young adults, the UFC on FOX is a perfect match.

John Landgraf, President and General Manager, FX Networks

UFC’s growth over the past decade is nothing short of phenomenal and it has become one of the marquee sports in this country. There is a reason for its rising popularity. It features some of the greatest athletes in the world, and we believe it will be a terrific addition to our schedule and look forward to our relationship.

read entire official announcement…

Quick Notes

– 4 shows per year on Fox Network. First fight November 12th in Anaheim, CA.

– 6 shows per year on FX. (Ultimate Fight Night)

– Live Ultimate Fighter Reality show. Fighters will be in house and footage will be taped and played on Friday, followed immediately by that week’s fight live.

– Current deal is for 7 year term.