The UFC is without a broadcast partner in Brazil, one of the biggest hotspots for MMA globally, to start 2025.
The UFC signed a three-year deal with Brazilian broadcaster Band that kicked off back in January of 2023. However, per a report by MMA Fighting, that partnership has come to an end with 12 months still remaining.
No reason for the early termination has been reported, though MMA Fighting’s Guilherme Cruz indicated that the promotion had opted to end the deal early. The upcoming UFC Vegas 101, which takes place this Saturday, January 11, will air exclusively on UFC Fight Pass for Brazilian MMA fans.
Band aired a dozen Fight Night cards annually. Preliminary cards aired on Brazilian Youtube channel GOAT; that deal has also come to a close.
Prior to the Band era, the UFC enjoyed a lengthy and lucrative relationship with Globo, one that lasted decades. There is a possibility that the promotion returns there, with Globo still in the combat sports game (the PFL is also partnered with the network). Netflix, as well as ESPN Brasil (rebranded as simply ESPN in the South American nation) could also be in play for the UFC’s media rights in Brazil.
In the U.S., the UFC’s broadcast deal with ESPN runs through the end of 2025, with something of a bidding war anticipated with the rights up for renewal.
