Televisa, UFC prep Lat Am channel

Mexico’s Televisa and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) have agreed a deal to launch a 24/7 UFC channel across Latin America later this year.

The Spanish-language pay channel, dedicated to round-the-clock UFC and mixed martial arts bouts and related reality series, will air 20,000 hours of content in 20 Lat Am territories.

“The launch of the UFC Channel is a game-changer for our sport and its fans throughout Latin America,” said Lorenzo Fertitta, owner and co-founder of Zuffa, parent of the UFC. “We are giving millions of fans across the region complete access to all our live events and programming for the first time.”

“The new UFC channel occupies a coveted position in both sports entertainment and lifestyle ecosystems. Through live fights, UFC classic bouts, Strikeforce, Pride and other related content for mixed martial arts fans, this 24/7 channel further strengthens Televisa Networks’ offering,” added Bruce Boren, general manager of Televisa Networks.

Ahead of the UFC Channel launch, Televisa has licensed the rights to air UFC content in 20 countries in the region, excluding Brazil, starting next month.

Under the latter deal, UFC programming will air on Televisa and Televisa Desportes in Mexico and Golden Channel in Latin America. The deal includes four live events to be broadcast on Televisa-owned free-to-air Channel 5 in Mexico and other FTA networks in Latin America annually.