‘Fastest-growing sports organization in history’ taps into exploding market
Jun 2, 2013, 8:22 PM | Updated: 8:27 pm
The Ultimate Fighting Championship and Televisa announced on Thursday the planned launch of 24-hour UFC only channel that will be made available throughout most of Latin America.
This new channel, set to launch in late 2013, will be subscription-based and will target fight fans in both Central and South America, with the exception Brazil, since the UFC already has a major television deal in the country.
Viewers across Latin America will now be able to watch over 35 live events per year as well as gain access to the UFC’s massive fight library featuring legendary moments from the UFC, PRDE FC, WEC, and Strikeforce easily amassing over 20,000 hours of content.
“The launch of the UFC Channel is a game changer for our sport and its fans throughout Latin America. We are giving millions of fans across the region complete access to all our live events and programming for the first time,” said UFC co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta,. “UFC is the fastest growing sports organization in history and with the strength of Latin America’s premier media group Televisa, the UFC Channel will become the fastest growing sports network in television history,
Televisa is one of, if not the premiere, network in Mexico. It has aired UFC events in the past, including last weekend’s UFC 160 featuring Mexican icon Cain Velasquez defending his title against Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva.
“The new UFC Channel occupies a coveted position in both sports entertainment and lifestyle ecosystems,” said General Manager of Televisa Networks Bruce Boren. “Through live fights, UFC classic bouts, Strikeforce, Pride, and other related content for the mixed martial arts fans, this 24/7 channel further strengthens Televisa Network’s offering.”
UFC President Dana White has said for years he has been targeting Mexico and its fight for a UFC event since he became the figurehead of the company back in 2001. Now with a new channel targeting this demographic and heavyweight champion of Mexican descent, 2013 may become the year this dream becomes a reality.
