Joe Rogan wasn’t the only UFC-related contract extension to go down this week.
On Tuesday afternoon, BT Sport announced that they have renewed their deal to be the exclusive broadcast-home to the UFC in the U.K. and Ireland.
Below is the official announcement that BT Sport released this week:
BT Sport renews exclusive UFC broadcast rights deal
The extension of the hugely successful partnership will see BT Sport televise and stream all US numbered pay-per-views and every other live event across the globe, including UFC 202: Diaz v McGregor 2.
BT Sport will now televise and stream every live UFC event across the globe after extending its hugely successful broadcast rights partnership with the company.
The renewed deal sees BT Sport retain exclusive live rights within the UK and Republic of Ireland, while enhancing its content portfolio by offering coverage of all US numbered pay-per-view events and all EMEA events.
In total, BT Sport is now set to show over 150 hours of live UFC action per year.
The announcement comes ahead of the highly anticipated rematch between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz at UFC 202: Diaz v McGregor 2 in Las Vegas.
McGregor will be set on revenge after suffering his first loss in the UFC in March 2016 at the hands of Diaz, who stepped in to take the fight on just two weeks’ notice.
All the action from UFC 202: Diaz v McGregor 2 will be broadcast live on BT Sport.
During the partnership between BT Sport and UFC, which began in 2013, MMA has seen a marked increase in popularity in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
With UFC cementing its place as one of the fastest growing and most entertaining sports in the world, Simon Green, head of BT Sport, was delighted to confirm the new rights deal.
He said: “UFC were one of the first partners that we announced back in 2013 when we launched BT Sport.
“Since then we have both come a long way and I’m very happy to announce today that we will continue to grow the sport with even more exclusive UFC action live on BT Sport.”
In addition to live coverage, BT Sport subscribers are already treated to a huge archive of on-demand content across TV, web and app.
With full fight replays, classic fights, fighter profiles, series such as The Ultimate Fighter and much, much more on offer, BT Sport really is the home of the UFC in the UK.
“BT Sport provides the perfect platform on which to continue to grow the sport of MMA and UFC,” added James Elliott, general manager and vice-president of UFC EMEA.
“The potential for growth for both organisations is huge and we are delighted to be continuing our partnership and to be building something special.”
We're excited to announce @btsport has retained the exclusive rights to @ufc in the UK and Republic of Ireland. ? https://t.co/ltq5ElmNVB
— BT Sport UFC (@btsportufc) July 27, 2016