UFC signs exclusive Chinese media distribution deal with Migu; more events in China planned
- China Mobile subsidiary to broadcast all UFC events including pay-per-views and Fight Nights
- Migu Video will also be exclusive home of upcoming Asia edition of Dana White’s Contender Series
The UFC has announced an exclusive deal for Chinese media distribution with China Mobile subsidiary Migu.
All live events produced by the US mixed martial arts giant, including its annual schedule of 12 pay-per-views and 30 Fight Nights – will be exclusively shown to viewers in China via an annual “UFC Fan Club” subscription package through the Migu Video app. Pay-per-views can also be bought as single purchase events through Migu.
The deal will start with UFC 259 from Las Vegas on March 6 (March 7, Asia time) which features three title fights and the return of China’s “Kung Fu Monkey” Song Yadong (16-4-1, one no contest), ranked No 14 in the bantamweight division.
The deal also covers the Asia edition of Dana White’s Contender Series, which will feature up-and-coming talent from the region, many of whom train at the UFC Academy at the 93,000 square foot UFC Shanghai Performance Institute training facility. The series was set to begin in 2020 before the coronavirus pandemic pushed production back indefinitely.
“There has never been more talent, more fans, and more energy and momentum for UFC in China than right now,” said UFC president Dana White, per a press release. “This partnership with Migu is going to take UFC to the next level.”
The value of the deal has not been disclosed, but the New York Post reported in 2019 the UFC was looking to double its money from media rights in China to US$100 million for the new cycle starting in 2021.