Get ready, fight fans in Japan! The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and U-NEXT are extending their media rights partnership, promising even more electrifying MMA action for years to come. This deal means a wealth of content, but what does it really entail for fans? Let’s dive in.
The agreement encompasses all live UFC events, including 13 numbered events and 30 UFC FIGHT NIGHTS®. But that’s not all! U-NEXT will also be the exclusive home for original programming such as UFC Countdown, UFC Connected, The Ultimate Fighter, and ROAD TO UFC. The ROAD TO UFC tournament is particularly exciting, as it provides a direct path for Asia-Pacific’s top MMA prospects to reach the UFC.
And this is the part most people miss… In 2026, the deal expands to include Dana White’s Contender Series. This series is a 10-episode live fight series where UFC hopefuls battle for a coveted UFC contract. Imagine the drama!
Kevin Chang, UFC’s Senior Vice President and Head of Asia, expressed his enthusiasm, highlighting U-NEXT’s crucial role in growing the UFC’s presence in Japan, a market known for its passionate fans and incredible talent. He also noted the importance of innovative digital media strategies in elevating the UFC brand. The addition of Dana White’s Contender Series promises even greater access to world-class content for Japanese audiences.
Tenshin Tsutsumi, CEO of U-NEXT Co. Ltd., shared the company’s pride in extending the partnership through 2031. He emphasized the commitment to delivering the essence of the sport and the challenges faced by Japanese athletes on the world stage. U-NEXT aims to deepen fan engagement and foster a lasting MMA culture in Japan. He points out that MMA embodies a primal question: ‘Who is the strongest?’
Currently, there are eight Japanese athletes on the UFC roster, including rising stars like Tatsuro Taira and ROAD TO UFC contract winners. The next hopeful, Keiichiro Nakamura, is vying for a UFC contract in the finals of ROAD TO UFC Season 4.
But here’s where it gets controversial… The UFC is a global phenomenon, boasting over 700 million fans and approximately 318 million social media followers. They produce over 40 live events annually and distribute programming to over 950 million broadcast and digital households across over 210 countries. With such a massive reach, the UFC is a significant player in the sports entertainment world.
U-NEXT, Japan’s leading video streaming platform, offers an unmatched entertainment experience with over 420,000 movies, dramas, and anime titles, as well as live sports and concerts. They also provide over 1.24 million manga, e-books, and magazines.
What do you think about the extended partnership? Are you excited about the increased access to UFC content? Do you think the ROAD TO UFC and Dana White’s Contender Series are effective ways to discover new talent? Share your thoughts in the comments below!