New online deal gives you another way to watch UFC Fight Nights for free

The UFC has signed an exciting new partnership with the BBC to bring cutting-edge MMA coverage to the UK and Ireland.

A landmark deal has been struck between the world's biggest MMA organisation and the BBC's new digital-only channel BBC Three. The channel, which has recently gone online, will show preview coverage and behind-the-scenes footage from UFC fight events in Europe, the Middle East and Africa as part of the new editorial and promotional partnership. But this could expand to also include international UFC shows too. Fight fans will also be able to enjoy live commentary and post-fight videos through the Daily Drop, BBC Three’s live page, and social media accounts. The digital channel will also produce short films on the sport and high profile UFC athletes including Conor McGregor, Holy Holm, Ronda Rousey and Michael Bisping. It will kick in this weekend as British veteran Bisping faces the great Anderson Silva in his first comeback fight at UFC Fight Night 84 at the O2 Arena in London. UFC's EMEA chief James Elliott said: "Audiences across the UK and 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." BT Sport is the main channel for watching UFC events live in Ireland, with the current deal ending in July, but this partnership with BBC Three stands separate to this.