Now TV inks deal broadcast deal with UFC

Now TV, the media entertainment arm of HKT, is bringing UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) to Hong Kong viewers. Now TV plans to broadcast 42 live events per year, which consists of 30 UFC Fight Nights to be shown on Now Sports Plus (Channel 680) and 12 UFC numbered events to be shown on Now Sports 5 (Channel 635). Subscribers will be able to watch the action via Now TV’s on-demand service. Other various magazine programs, including Dana White’s Contender Series, UFC Connected and UFC Countdown, will also be made available for UFC fans.

In recent years, UFC has gained growth and popularity in new and emerging Asian markets, and Hong Kong is no exception. Now TV is taking it one step further by incorporating Cantonese commentary into its live broadcast. Stephen Au Kam Tong, a well-known TV actor and presenter who is recognised for his passion in martial arts, has teamed up with local MMA fighters Kenny Yeung and Ernest Tang to provide local fans the expertise they have always longed for.

Derek Choi, head of Pay TV, HKT, said, the rise in the number of Hong Kong people practicing kickboxing means there is a demand for fight sports. “Adding Cantonese commentary with celebrities to our coverage will certainly broaden the audience base. We will also have joint promotion with the local MMA community to raise the awareness of UFC in Hong Kong. Hopefully we will see a local MMA star participating in the UFC fight nights in the future, and fans will be cheering through Now TV’s professional coverage,” he added.

Kevin Chang, UFC senior vice president, Asia, said, “Our partnership with Now TV will take our popularity to new heights in Hong Kong, a city with a long history of martial arts and a strong community of UFC fans. Now Sports is the leader in the industry and bringing a Cantonese commentary team will make the UFC more accessible than ever before.”