Jon Jones (right) punches Alexander Gustafsson during a Light Heavyweight title bout during the UFC 232 event inside The Forum on Dec. 29, 2018 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
UFC Fight Pass, a digital subscription service, is doubling its content offerings in 2019 to more than 200 exclusive events and more than 1,000 hours of live and exclusive programming. The broadcasts will span a spectrum of mixed martial arts, boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and more.
The UFC Fight Pass OTT package will include shoulder content, such as interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, as well as a new betting-centric show called “On the Line.” The program will serve as a guide for fans interested in wagering on bouts, complete with analysis from professional bettors and oddsmakers.
“If you’re a combat sports fan, Fight Pass is a must have for 2019,” said UFC President Dana White in a statement. “Fans will get exclusive UFC Fight Pass Prelims before every Pay-Per-View, as well as a look at up-and-coming fighters competing live in top combat sports promotions around the world. This is just the beginning of how we’re going to tap into the power of Fight Pass to continue to grow MMA and all these other combat sports that fight fans love.”
SportTechie Takeaway
Fight sports are preserving their heritage of premium programming, but more and more of the content is moving from pay-per-view to subscription services. HBO has ended its long tradition of PPV boxing. UFC Fight Night has already migrated to ESPN+. UFC’s chief competitor, Bellator MMA, will air on DAZN, which is positioning itself as a destination for fight sports. UFC’s embrace of betting content also shows its willingness to stay current in a changing sports environment.
