In a major coup for boxing fans in the UK and Ireland, Sky Sports has secured a multi-year agreement to become the exclusive broadcaster for all Zuffa Boxing events. This deal marks a significant milestone for Dana White’s boxing venture, which will now have a prominent platform to showcase its fights to a UK and Ireland audience. The agreement is set to bring at least five Zuffa Boxing shows to the UK each year, cementing Sky’s position as a leading force in boxing broadcasting. The first event under the new deal is scheduled for 5 April at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas.
Sky Sports Lands Zuffa Boxing Rights in Multi-Year Deal
| Event | Sky Sports lands UK and Ireland rights to Zuffa Boxing |
| Location | UK and Ireland |
| Key People/Organizations involved | Sky Sports, Zuffa Boxing, Dana White |
| Status/Current Situation | Exclusive broadcasting rights secured by Sky Sports |
| Official Response | Dana White describes the agreement as “a massive milestone” for Zuffa Boxing |
| First Event Details | Zuffa Boxing 05: Cortes vs Garcia on April 5, 2026 |
| Location of First Event | Meta APEX in Las Vegas |
| Number of Events per Year | At least five shows a year in the UK |
Sky Sports has secured a multi-year agreement to become the exclusive UK and Ireland broadcaster for all Zuffa Boxing events. The deal includes a commitment to stage at least five shows a year in the UK, giving Dana White’s boxing venture an immediate foothold in broadcast television. This reinforces Sky’s long-standing commitment to boxing, which has come under pressure from other broadcasters in recent years.
The agreement was described as “a massive milestone” for Zuffa Boxing by Dana White, who is also the long-time president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The first event under the new deal will be Zuffa Boxing 05: Cortes vs Garcia on 5 April from the Meta APEX in Las Vegas, featuring unbeaten contender Andres Cortes against Eridson Garcia, with former world champion Mark Magsayo meeting Ireland’s Feargal McCrory on the card.
The deal is a significant boost for Sky Sports, which has been working to strengthen its sports broadcasting portfolio. Sky Sports chief Jonathan Licht said the two companies shared the same ambition to put on the best fights for viewers. A fuller schedule for the rest of 2026 is due to be announced in the coming weeks.
What This Means for UK and Ireland Boxing Fans
This new partnership between Sky Sports and Zuffa Boxing marks a significant development in the world of boxing, with fans in the UK and Ireland set to benefit from an exciting new era of competition. The agreement includes a commitment to stage at least five shows a year in the UK, ensuring that fans will have access to a steady stream of high-quality boxing events. With its reputation for delivering top-class sports coverage, Sky Sports is well-placed to bring the best of Zuffa Boxing to a wider audience.
The deal is a major coup for Zuffa Boxing, which is led by Dana White, the long-time president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). White has described the agreement as “a massive milestone” for the company, and it is clear that the partnership has the potential to take boxing to new heights. With a strong schedule of events planned, including the highly-anticipated Zuffa Boxing 05: Cortes vs Garcia on 5 April, fans in the UK and Ireland can look forward to some thrilling action in the ring.
As part of the agreement, Sky Sports will be showcasing a range of exciting matchups, including the main event at Zuffa Boxing 05, which features unbeaten contender Andres Cortes against Eridson Garcia. This is just the beginning of a new era of boxing on Sky Sports, and fans can expect to see many more thrilling events in the coming months.
Zuffa Boxing’s Global Expansion and Competitive Landscape
Zuffa Boxing’s expansion into the UK and Ireland broadcasting market is a significant development in the global boxing landscape. The company, led by Dana White, has secured a foothold in broadcast television with the exclusive UK and Ireland broadcasting rights deal with Sky Sports. This move reinforces Sky’s commitment to boxing, which has been a staple of the sports broadcasting landscape in the region.
The deal includes a commitment to stage at least five shows a year in the UK, providing a platform for Zuffa Boxing to showcase its events to a wider audience. The agreement is set to be a major boost for the company, which has been making waves in the boxing world with its high-profile events. With the backing of Sky Sports, Zuffa Boxing is poised to become a major player in the UK and Ireland boxing scene.
The competitive landscape in the UK and Ireland boxing market is set to become even more intense with the arrival of Zuffa Boxing. The company will be competing with established players such as BT Sport/TNT Sports and DAZN, which have been vying for a share of the market. However, with the support of Sky Sports, Zuffa Boxing is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the region.
Sky Sports’ Plans for Zuffa Boxing Coverage
Sky Sports has outlined its plans for the exclusive UK and Ireland broadcasting rights to Zuffa Boxing events, following a multi-year agreement. As part of the deal, Sky Sports has committed to staging at least five shows a year in the UK, ensuring a strong presence for the sport in the region.
The first event under the new deal will be Zuffa Boxing 05: Cortes vs Garcia, taking place on 5 April from the Meta APEX in Las Vegas. The main event will feature unbeaten contender Andres Cortes against Eridson Garcia, with former world champion Mark Magsayo meeting Ireland’s Feargal McCrory on the card. A fuller schedule for the rest of 2026 is due to be announced in the coming weeks.
Reaction from the Boxing Community
The agreement has also been welcomed by fans and fighters alike, with many expressing their excitement at the prospect of seeing more high-profile bouts in the UK. The commitment to stage at least five shows a year in the UK is seen as a major coup for Sky Sports, which has long been a major player in the UK boxing scene. The company’s chief, Jonathan Licht, echoed this sentiment, stating that the two companies share the same ambition to put on the best fights for viewers.
The first event under the new deal, Zuffa Boxing 05: Cortes vs Garcia, is set to take place on 5 April at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas. The main event will feature unbeaten contender Andres Cortes against Eridson Garcia, with former world champion Mark Magsayo meeting Ireland’s Feargal McCrory on the card. With a strong lineup and a commitment to regular events in the UK, fans are eagerly anticipating what the future holds for Zuffa Boxing and Sky Sports.
Upcoming Events and Schedule
Sky Sports has announced a packed schedule to kick-start its exclusive broadcasting deal with Zuffa Boxing. The first event under the new partnership will be Zuffa Boxing 05: Cortes vs Garcia on 5 April from the Meta APEX in Las Vegas. The main event will feature unbeaten contender Andres Cortes against Eridson Garcia, with former world champion Mark Magsayo meeting Ireland’s Feargal McCrory on the card.
The agreement between Sky Sports and Zuffa Boxing includes a commitment to stage at least five shows a year in the UK. Fans can expect a range of exciting matchups and events throughout the year, with a fuller schedule for the rest of 2026 due to be announced in the coming weeks. This will give boxing enthusiasts in the UK and Ireland access to top-class fights and world-class talent.
As part of its exclusive broadcasting deal, Sky Sports will provide comprehensive coverage of all Zuffa Boxing events, bringing the excitement of live boxing to audiences across the UK and Ireland. With its commitment to staging at least five shows a year in the UK, Sky Sports is set to become a major player in the UK boxing scene.
