Sky Sports announce major partnership with Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA have announced a one-year deal with Sky Sports that will see the mixed martial promotion show all US fights on the Bellator MMA 2019 tour, as well those in London and Dublin, exclusively on the British broadcaster.

Bellator 216 will be the first event to be shown on Sky Sports with the event broadcast live in the early hours of February 17th for UK & Ireland viewers before they air Bellator 217 on 23 February where Ireland's own James Gallagher takes on Steven Graham at 3Arena in Dublin. This one-year deal with Bellator ensures that all US fights on the tour, as well those in London and Dublin, will air exclusively on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event in the UK and Ireland. Scott Coker, Bellator President, said of the agreement: "This is a groundbreaking partnership for MMA in the UK and we are thrilled to finally bring LIVE Bellator events to our passionate fan-base there. We have worked diligently to find the right network in the UK 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