The UFC have announced an “editorial and partnership” deal with UK digital network BBC Three.
The deal begins on Saturday for UFC Fight Night 84 where the service will run a live blog from London’s O2 Arena.
BBC Three will also cover European, Middle East and Asian events with the option to cover international events.
The partnership stands separately to the UFC’s current broadcasting deal with BT Sport which expires in July.
Speaking to The Sun the UFC’s EMEA chief James Elliott said: “We are thrilled to be recognised as a valuable asset for BBC Three and the wider BBC Sport team.
“Audiences across the UK & Ireland are becoming more and more knowledgeable about the skill, athleticism and ethics of MMA fighters and the great events and content produced by the UFC, which is driving fans to seek content from media outlets.
“BBC Three is a perfect fit for UFC and we look forward to an exciting year working together to bring great content to their audiences.”
The newly launched digital platform will use their Daily Drop live page and social media accounts to offer post-fight video and live commentary.
They are also expected to produce short films on UFC stars Conor McGregor, Michael Bisping, Holly Holm and Ronda Rousey.
Damian Kavanagh, controller at BBC Three, said: “BBC Three has a history of covering emerging sports that appeal to young audiences in new ways, and our coverage of UFC will be no different.
“We already offer sport on The Daily Drop and it’s right we cover one of the fastest growing, and most talked about sports in the world, which has millions of fans in the UK, in a BBC Three way.
“The deal is mutually beneficial and demonstrates how BBC Three can experiment with new types of content, from new partners, in new ways.
“Last year we made a documentary featuring MMA and offered live coverage of League of Legends from Wembley with both well received by younger audiences, so in the spirit of innovation, we welcomed the chance to work with the UFC.”
