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MOORE: Examining options for the next UFC broadcast partner in the UK (Part One)
Feb 27, 2012 - 9:15:28 PM MOORE: Examining options for the next UFC broadcast partner in the UK (Part One)

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By: Dan Moore, MMATorch UK Contributor

Having just endured a frustrating two hours of watching UFC prelims on my tiny laptop, It got me thinking about who could potentially replace ESPN as the UFC's broadcast partner in the UK when their current deal ends this August. I've decided to break this article down into three parts, thus allowing me to break down the options, in detail, without boring you to death in one foul swoop like a Jake Shields fight.

This next TV deal is vital to the UFC, possibly equal in importance to the FOX deal over in the States. After all, FOX doesn't have to persuade the casual sports fan into watching a live event that often airs from 3 o'clock in the sodding morning! Over the three parts I'll cover all the main contenders including ESPN, Sky Sports, FX, BBC, ITV and even the mighty Channel 5, the spiritual home of Celebrity Big Brother!

ESPN - (1.2m potential viewers)

I might as well start with the current broadcasters ESPN, probably the biggest sports broadcasting network in the World. ESPN has only been broadcasting live sport in the UK since August 2009 after the demise of Setanta Sports, who ran into financial difficulty before ever truly establishing themselves. Setanta had been broadcasting UFC events, and almost by default, ESPN acquired the rights as part of the takeover. Since their launch they have continued to attract subscribers keen to watch live Premier League football. Football was obviously their main focus, but other sports, including MMA, continued to benefit from the increased viewership.

I generally enjoy their coverage of the UFC, they always show every event in High Definition, in addition to the standard format, and their logo isn't too outlandish to be obtrusive to my view (Step forward Primetime). ESPN like to keep it simple, and I for one like that. They very rarely have disruptions during the live broadcasts, wherever the event is taking place. They also don't try to over complicate things with additional 'In studio' analysis, relying completely on the UFC presentation. Another thing in their favour is money, they possess a bottomless pit of it and could easily out bid any other major players.

My gripe with them is their lack of consistency, and not knowing what non PPV events are going to be shown. Just when I thought things were improving, they recently decided not to broadcast the Ellenberger vs. Sanchez card. I am assuming they thought the viewing figures would be poor for a midweek event, and they would be right, but thats why god invented a record button. We should have been given the option, rather than have them decide for us, whatever the additional cost. I want to watch every FOX, FX and FUEL card available, and not just the ones involving Michael Bisping and other British fighters.

Another concern is the loss of the Ultimate Fighter show. FX showed the last TUF season and I am assuming they will broadcast the new series starting next month. Call me old fashioned but i'd like to see all of the UFC material shown on one single channel. If I want to know when Coronation Street is on I head to ITV, because I know it's there. Simple things in life are the best, well at least that's what my wife says to me!

ESPN is a market leader in America but it's nowhere near that level here, and 1.2 million subscribers doesn't cut the mustard, if the UFC wants to continue growing its UK fan base. Additionally, ESPN aren't on the best of terms with Zuffa right now after a recent TV report covered several controversial issues including low fighter pay, and the UFC's continued domination of MMA. As things stand the chances of ESPN extending their UFC contract are getting slimmer by the day, however, where there's a will, there's a way, and I doubt they will give it up without a fight.

Feel free to follow me on Twitter - @dannymoore5515