ESPN has secured the airing & streaming rights for all UFC events. Starting in 2019, FOX will no longer have anything to do with the UFC.
I think it’s funny how success and money changes minds. There was a time, not too long ago, when ESPN was vehemently against the UFC and mixed martial arts in general. They would never talk about, show highlights, or acknowledge anything having to do with MMA. Now here we are.
The rise and success of this sport has been amazing, but, I always loved the times when MMA/NHB fighters just fought, for little or no money. For no notoriety. No air time. In a tournament style and in no weight classes. The sport was built on the backs of the warriors who did it simply because we loved fighting and the challenges that came with it.
All that said, here we are.... MMA is atop of the sports world. Make it great ESPN because the sport deserves it. And, finally, hire qualified broadcasters & commentators. DO NOT allow the likes of Skip Bayless, Stephen A. Smith, etc., to ruin our sport with their arrogance and know-it-all (but know nothing) behavior. Hire the proper people to cover the UFC.
