UFC Inks Three Year German TV Deal

Last week we reported that German cable television network DSF (Deutsches Sportfernsehen - German Sports Television) had secured the German television rights to the UFC. The following press release issued by DSF sheds more light on the deal. English translation by Robert K.

DSF secures UFC rights for the next three years

DSF has secured the television rights to the worlds fastest growing fight sport. Over the next three years, from 2009 to 2011, DSF will televise the world's most successful Mixed Martial Arts organization, the "Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Beginning on Saturday, 7th of March, DSF will air a weekly highlight magazine, UFC Unleashed, from 11pm to midnight in addiction to regular UFC events.

DSF will also broadcast 20 live and tape delayed UFC events. The first of which will air on the 14th of March from 1:00 a.m. to 3:00 featuring Quinton Jackson and Keith Jardine in Columbus (Ohio). In addition DSF holds the rights to several other UFC shows including UFC Countdown, UFC Wired and UFC All Access.

In total DSF plans to air 170 hours of UFC programming over the 3 year years. The commentary team will consist of Tobias Drews and Oliver Copp, two of Germany's most respected boxing and martial arts experts.

DSF CEO Oliver Reichert explains: "Having secured the German rights to the UFC, we have the absolute premium content in mixed martial arts. The Ultimate Fighting Championship is a highly professional organization, with dedicated athletes and clear rules and regulations. The UFC will be a important part of our 2009 lineup."

UFC President Dana White adds: "It was always one of our main objectives to bring the UFC to Germany. We look forward bringing the UFC's biggest fights and fighters to the many fans in Germany trough our partnership with DSF. In recent years many fans were forced to make long trips to catch the UFC - now they can watch the UFC right in their living rooms on their TV."

UFC on DSF – An Overview Of The Upcoming Shows:

UFC Unleashed
A weekly highlights show on Saturdays starting from 11pm to Midnight
on Saturday, 7. March.

UFC Fight Night
20 Fight Nights starting. Midnight and 6.00 am live/Replayed on Saturday.

UFC Countdown
A preview of the upcoming events and highlight clips (Saturday, March 14, 0:00 to 1:00 a.m.)

UFC All Access
Interviews and training videos with exclusive insight into the lives of the UFC fighters. (Sunday, March 15, 5:30 a.m to 6:00 a.m)

UFC Wired
A analysis show with replays of past fights, interviews and previews of upcoming events (Sunday, April 5, 4:15 a.m. to 5:15 a.m)