Bellator MMA Lands New Television Deal in the U.K.

Bellator MMA has found a new television partner in the United Kingdom.

On Wednesday, the Viacom owned network announced a partnership with Channel 5 in the U.K. with plans to broadcast at least six events per year.

The deal will start with the upcoming Bellator card in Newcastle, England, which features Patricky ‘Pitbull’ Freire in the main event against Ryan Scope as well as reality star turned mixed martial arts enthusiast Aaron Chalmers.

“Mixed Martial Arts is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and Bellator are leading the way in the UK with their European Fight Series in 2019,” Paul Dunthorne, COO of Channel 5 said on Wednesday in a press release.

“We are partnering with an exciting brand and it is great news for our viewers who will be able to watch some of the biggest names in the sport compete live on free to air TV. Bellator brings the very best fight cards to Europe and we are excited to be able to bring our viewers closer to all of the drama and excitement that we know it will deliver.”

The Bellator cards will air live and free on terrestrial television through Channel 5 in 2019.

As of now it appears to be a one year deal between the promotion and the broadcaster.

The main focus of Bellator on Chanel 5 will be targeted at the top fighters from around the U.K. and Europe with six shows or more airing on the network this year.