MOORE: Examining options for the next UFC broadcast partner in the UK (Part Three)

By: Dan Moore, MMATorch UK Contributor

I've covered the two main protagonists already. Now it's time to cover those with an outside chance, along with those who have absolutely no hope at all but might still be interested:

BBC

No need to state the potential number of viewers here. If you own a TV you have access to the BBC, well at the very least BBC One and BBC Two. We pay for this channel. While the cost of a TV license increases, their power and clout when it comes to sport, wanes every day. They have just lost the majority of F1 races for next season. Add that to the already departed live Premier League football. Throw in any other inconspicuous sport you can think of, and it's hard to visualize the BBC as a future home for the UFC.

The BBC just don't seem to be interested in covering Sport anymore. Sure they broadcast live sporting events such as the forthcoming Olympics, but only because no one else is allowed a slice of the so called 'Crown Jewels.' Sooner or later though, those European Bureaucrats over in Brussels will deem this ruling immoral, and decree open season ready for BSkyB to pounce. When that happens the BBC won't even have the rights to show chess, let alone the UFC. Another reason this unison would be unlikely, is that UFC content would be deemed too violent for the BBC. Even when broadcast long after the water shed. It just doesn't fit the profile of any of their channels, and most importantly, they would have to justify its purchase to every single license payer in the land if big money was spent.

I'll run naked through Leicester Square if the UFC ever appears on the BBC!

ITV

Like the BBC their channels are available to everyone and anyone. Unlike the BBC, their content is far more quirkier and the UFC kind of fits their profile. They show the sporting content that BSkyB and ESPN don't want including Europa League football, British Motor Sport and smaller Boxing cards. I very much doubt we will ever see a UFC event on ITV1 but I could easily see ITV 3 or 4 as a potential home. If they were interested though, It's highly unlikely that they could afford to compete with the digital big boys.

FX

If there is anyone that could compete with Sky Sports and ESPN then FX are the channel. A channel owned by FOX. They have already broadcast a previous Ultimate Fighter series, and core UK fans are aware of where to find it. In my humble opinion they did a good job. Granted it's very hard to mess up a show you only have to air. But at least it was always on at the same time, on the same day, and on only 24 hours after it was aired in the US (Take note Sky Sports and ESPN). The channel is available to millions of homes through various outlets, and it's broadcast in HD so the potential is definitely there. FX are candidates and the channel most likely to step up if Sky Sports or ESPN decline the opportunity to bid.

CHANNEL 5

Channel 5 have shown delayed UFC numbered events on their station many many times before. It's clear they have an interest in the sport, and should the opportunity arise, they would inevitably figure in the running, however low down the pecking order they are. Access for fans isn't a problem, even if they use 5USA as a platform to air UFC content. MMA fits their profile and they would be more willing than other terrestrial broadcasters to maximize the UFC's potential. If they do get the rights i'll actually have to tune into Channel 5 for the very first time. Not something that fills me with pride!


-Armed with an active wish list, Zuffa have plenty of options later this year, when they begin negotiations with a new broadcaster. ESPN as current providers will certainly have a big say ,and if they extend their contract, I won't be crying in my beer. It's the fact they could do so much better that niggles me. As for the BBC, ITV or C5, they have to be considered purely for their audience share, however none are real serious contenders, sport just isn't their specialty. FX have a key advantage in the fact FOX broadcast the UFC in America. It is working like a dream and the family feeling must be enticing for both parties concerned.

For me personally Sky Sports are above and beyond, and the best option right now for the UFC. Everyone just else pails into insignificance. High potential audience reach. Huge financial backing. The ability to show content in Standard, HD, and above all in 3D. Opportunity for lots of lovely Pay-Per-View revenue in the future. Add that to their ability to market and advertise a promotion to the moon and back, and this for me makes them a match made in heaven.

Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/Staff_Editorials_19/article_12686.shtml

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