UFC and BRACE broker content deal to broadcast bouts across the globe on UFC FIGHT PASS

THE UFC has brokered a content deal with Australia’s largest MMA company and young Aussie fighters are the big winners.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 07: Mark Hunt connects with an elbow during the UFC Brisbane bout between Mark Hunt and Antonio 'Big Foot' Silva of Brazil at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on December 7, 2013 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

UP-AND-COMING Australian mixed martial artists will have a chance to be seen on the world stage following a huge announcement from the UFC.

The organisation has announced it has brokered a content deal with BRACE — Australia’s largest mixed martial arts event promoter.

The deal will allow subscribers of the UFC’s digital streaming service, FIGHT PASS, to watch live broadcasts of BRACE’s tournament based competitions.

UFC senior vice president and FIGHT PASS general manager Eric Winter said the inclusion of the Australian fight series was welcomed by both organisations.

“The first event on November 21 is the grand finale of a year-long tournament and a great way to kickstart BRACE on UFC FIGHT PASS,” he said in a statement.

“We are especially pleased to offer our Australia UFC FIGHT PASS customers a regular live event in their own time zone, and to give up-and-coming Aussie MMA fighters an international platform to showcase their skills.”

The deal will also give customers the entire fight library from the 36 events the local promoter has already hosted.

BRACE chief executive Kya Pate said the deal promised to show the world the quality of homegrown talent.

“We have been working hard putting on big shows across Australia since 2009 and have been working on this broadcast deal for over a year now,” he told news.com.au

“It’s an exciting day for MMA as this represents a growth in the sport locally. It’s exciting for the fans and the fighters.”

Mr Pate said the deal would help raise the profile of Australian talent as they climb the rankings.

“The ultimate goal for any MMA fighter is to reach the pinnacle of the sport, which is obviously the UFC,” he said.

“Our fighters will now be sharing a platform with the best in the world, which will help drive them to achieve their goals.

“It will also give passionate MMA fans around the globe a glimpse into the great fighters we have on our roster.”

The streaming service is available now online and can be viewed on personal computers, Apple TV, iPad, iPhone, Chromecast, Android, Samsung, LG Smart TV and Roku.

Subscriptions are $9.99 month to month, $8.99 per month for six months or $7.99 per month for a one-year subscription.

Originally published as UFC and BRACE broker content deal to broadcast bouts across the globe on UFC FIGHT PASS