Combate Americas is back — in a big way.
A new media rights deal with Univision will bring mixed martial arts (MMA) fans a total of 150 live events over the next five years, beginning with the promotion’s kick-off card on April 9 in Miami under the new “Combate Global” banner.
“This powerful broadcast partnership will establish Combate Global as the premier MMA brand on TV in North America. Univision’s power and Combate Global’s excitement will inspire passion in a new generation of fans for this sport,” said Combate Global CEO Campbell McLaren. “When I launched the UFC I knew that its explosive action would capture fans’ attention, and the same is true with Combate’s style. We refer to our brand of MMA as ‘Mucha Más Acción’ – much more action!”
Combate Global events will be available across all Univision platforms, on linear on Univision and TUDN, as well as via the TUDN Radio Network, TUDN.TV and the TUDN app. Additionally, MMA fans will be able to access the promotion’s fight library on PrendeTV, Univision’s newly launched ad-supported streaming service featuring 100% free, premium Spanish-language content.
“We are excited to extend our relationship and look forward to growing the Combate brand in new and innovative ways across our Univision platforms,” said Juan Carlos Rodriguez, president of Sports, Univision. “With our audience’s passion for thrilling, live action, Combate has teamed with our portfolio of soccer rights to deliver a powerful one-two punch. Combate is a fast-ascending property and we are committed to delivering more events from the premier Hispanic MMA franchise to fight fans than ever before.”
Combate Global is expected to continue its one-night, eight-man, six-figure grand prize “Copa Combate” tournament at the end of each year. Previous winners include Humberto Bandenay, Andres Quintana, and Levy Marroquin.
The April 9 fight card is scheduled to drop in the coming days.