The long-running extension builds on the pair’s original deal struck in 2023. (UFC)
U-Next, the Japanese streaming service, will continue its coverage of mixed martial arts’ Ultimate Fighting Championship after renewing its rights agreement until 2031.
The long-running extension builds on the pair’s original deal struck in 2023 and features rights to all live events, including 13 numbered events and 30 Fight Nights.
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The deal also includes the UFC’s original programming, such as its Countdown, Connected, and The Ultimate Fighter shows, as well as Road to UFC, the new tournament that gives Asia-Pacific’s top MMA prospects a path to UFC.
Starting with the 2026 season, U-Next will also air Dana White’s Contender Series, the 10-episode live fight series featuring UFC hopefuls hoping to secure a contract with the UFC.
Kevin Chang, UFC senior vice president and head of Asia, said: “Over the past three years, U-Next has been an outstanding partner, helping grow UFC’s presence in Japan, a pioneering market for mixed martial arts, with incredible talent and passionate fans.
“From original programming that follows Japanese athletes competing on the global stage, to innovative digital media strategies across social platforms, U-Next has been an invaluable partner in elevating the UFC brand.”
There are currently eight Japanese fighters on the UFC roster: Tatsuro Taira, Kyoji Horiguchi, Kai Asakura, Mizuki Inoue, Yusaku Kinoshita, Rinya Nakamura, Toshiomi Kazama, and Rei Tsuruya.
The next UFC hopeful from Japan is Keiichiro Nakamura, who has advanced to the final of the Road to UFC season 4.
The renewal consolidates U-Next’s combat sports portfolio, which includes rights in the country to the US-based MMA series Professional Fighters League and ONE Championship, the Singapore-based MMA promotion.
U-Next chief executive Tenshin Tsutsumi said: “As a platform firmly rooted in Japan, U-Next will continue striving to deepen fan engagement and help foster a more mature and enduring culture of watching mixed martial arts in this country.
“We are honored to continue bringing the power, drama, and spirit of the UFC to audiences throughout Japan, and to serve as a bridge connecting Japanese fans and fighters to the pinnacle of this extraordinary sport.”
The renewal comes weeks after US media giant Paramount announced it has expanded its broadcast partnership with UFC, adding Latin America and Australia to its $7.7 billion, seven-year media rights deal unveiled in August, which will see Paramount+ become the exclusive home of all UFC events in the US from next year, replacing ESPN.
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AloJapan.com