The new UK home of UFC programming continues to be the most asked topic in my inbox this week following last weekend’s UFC 100 PPV.

At time of writing, iFight365.com understands that ESPN are leading the way to obtain the UK television rights to UFC programming and that an announcement could come in the next few days.

When reached for comment, an ESPN spokesman told us: “We continue to be interested in all rights including UFC, where they make business sense. But we have nothing to announce at this time.”

Other broadcasters including Bravo, Five and Sky Sports have shown an interest in picking up the rights to the UFC, but our understanding is that ESPN are closing in on finalising a deal which would see UFC programming including monthly PPV events be broadcast on their new satellite channel which launches early next month.

ESPN will also be launching a HD channel for Sky subscribers and although unconfirmed, we understand that should ESPN be confirmed as the UFC’s new home, that UFC PPVs could be made available in HD also.

Phil Lowe
phil@ifight365.com