Zuffa Boxing has signed a multi-year broadcast deal with Sky Sports, marking a major change in how boxing will be shown in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The agreement, announced on March 18, 2026, ensures that all Zuffa Boxing events will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, as well as being available on Streaming Now. The deal includes a commitment to stage a minimum of five events each year in the UK. This comes less than two months after Zuffa Boxing held its first show. The promotion is backed by TKO Group Holdings, Saudi company Sela and Chairman Turki Alalshaikh.
Zuffa Boxing is expanding rapidly with major support
Zuffa Boxing launched earlier this year and has already held four events at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas. The promotion includes leadership from Dana White and Nick Khan.
The initial fight card included top names such as Jay Opetia. Fighters such as Umar Dzembekov and Efe Ajagba scored knockout wins during those events.
The promotion also made headlines outside the ring by signing Connor Bain from Matchroom Boxing. That move ended Benn’s long link with promoter Eddie Hearn and signaled Zuffa’s intention to compete at the top level of boxing.
Sky Sports deal ends long Matchroom era
The deal with Sky Sports ends Matchroom Boxing’s long-standing exclusive relationship. Sky has broadcast boxing for over 30 years, covering major bouts involving stars such as Frank Bruno, Mike Tyson and Anthony Joshua.
Dana White said the deal reflects the importance of the UK market.
“The UK has played such an important role in the history of boxing. The fans there are some of the most loyal and passionate in the world. When you talk about boxing in that region, Sky Sports has always been the home of legendary boxing bouts. There is no bigger or better platform to showcase the best boxing in the UK. This is a huge milestone for Zuffa Boxing.”
Sky Sports chief executive UK and Ireland Jonathan Licht also spoke about the deal.
“Sky Sports has been a long-term partner of boxing for over 30 years. Zuffa Boxing has exciting plans for the sport, and we share the same ambition when it comes to bringing the best fights to our customers. We look forward to a new era where we will use our platform to create stars and showcase elite boxing talent here in the UK and internationally.”
First event and 2026 schedule confirmed
The first event under the new deal will be Zuffa Boxing 05: Cortes vs. Garcia on April 5, 2026 at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas.
Andres Cortes will face Aridson Garcia in the main event. On the undercard, Mark Magsayo faces Feargal McCrory.
Zuffa Boxing will release its full 2026 schedule in the coming weeks. The plan includes at least five events in the UK under the Sky Sports agreement.
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