British broadcasting giant Sky Sports have signed an exclusive broadcast deal with Bellator MMA.
Viacom's mixed martial arts promotion have signed a one-year deal with the American based promotion.
The deal sees US and international events, plus the Dublin card air exclusively live on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event.
Georgie Faulkner, Head of Multi-Sports at Sky Sports, said: “We are delighted to be able to partner with Bellator to give our customers the chance to see some of the best, high octane fighters in the world via their MMA 2019 tour. “
Sky Sports will broadcast a minimum of 20 US and international Bellator events live to a UK and Irish audience.
The first event will be Bellator 216: MVP vs. Daley, which takes place on Saturday, February 16, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut at 3am GMT
David Green, Head of Bellator Europe, said: “This is a landmark moment and we are extremely excited to be working with Sky Sports to continue introducing the sport, and its incredibly skilled athletes, to new audiences.”
The partnership will also see Sky Sports broadcast Bellator 217: Gallagher vs. Graham live from the 3Arena on Saturday, February 23 at 9 p.m. GMT. UK
Scott Coker, Bellator President, said: “This is a groundbreaking partnership for MMA in the U.K. and Ireland, and we are thrilled to finally bring LIVE Bellator events to our passionate fanbase there. We have worked diligently to find the right network in the U.K. and Sky Sports will undoubtedly deliver for our viewers. I’m excited that our fans overseas will now be able to be part of our events that take place around the globe and witness some of the best athletes in the sport today.”
Sky Sports fight dates announced:
- Bellator 216: MVP vs. Daley - Saturday Feb. 16, 2019 - Mohegan Sun Casino - Uncasville, CT, USA
- Bellator 217: Gallagher vs. Graham - Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019 - 3Arena - Dublin
- Bellator 218: Sanchez vs. Grimshaw - Friday, March 22 - WinStar World Casino & Resort - Thackerville, OK, USA
- Bellator 219: Koreshkov vs. Larkin - Friday, March 29 - Pechanga Resort Casino - Temecula, CA, USA
- Bellator 220: MacDonald vs. Fitch - Saturday, April 27 - SAP Center - San Jose, CA, USA
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