UFC Strengthens Russian Presence with Match TV Deal and Star-Studded Fights
The UFC has renewed its partnership with Russia’s Match TV, continuing one of its long-standing European media deals. The announcement, made in late December, confirmed that Match TV will exclusively broadcast 40 UFC events annually, along with promotional content and original programming such as UFC Countdown and UFC Connected.
UFC and Match TV
The UFC first teamed up with Match TV in 2022, making this renewal significant, as it is one of the few media arrangements between a Russian outlet and a Western-based sports organization to remain intact following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The deal highlights the UFC’s sustained presence in the Russian market, supported by the country’s strong following of MMA and the presence of notable Russian UFC fighters, including current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.
The coverage will kick off with UFC 311 on January 18, 2025, in Inglewood, California. Makhachev will defend his lightweight title against fellow Russian Arman Tsarukyan. The event will also feature a highly anticipated fight between Russia’s Umar Nurmagomedov and Georgia’s Merab Dvalishvili for the welterweight title.
Match TV, a Russian sports channel owned by Gazprom Media, has been a key player in broadcasting sports events since its launch in 2015. It covers a wide range of sports, including football, ice hockey, and Formula One, and aims to promote sports and healthy lifestyles in Russia.
According to Match TV’s General Producer, Alexander Taschin, the renewed deal is a “gift” to MMA fans in Russia, where UFC events featuring prominent Russian fighters always draw significant attention. In addition to its coverage in Russia, the new deal will extend to nine other countries in the Commonwealth of Independent States, a group of former Soviet nations.
Russian fighters have become a dominant force in the UFC, with many achieving top rankings and championship titles. Their success is largely attributed to their strong backgrounds in combat sports like sambo, wrestling, and judo. Fighters like Islam Makhachev, the current UFC Lightweight Champion, and Petr Yan, a former Bantamweight Champion, have made their mark with impressive skills.
Other notable names include Alexander Volkov, a heavy-hitting heavyweight, and Magomed Ankalaev, a top contender in the light heavyweight division. Rising stars like Umar Nurmagomedov, Khabib’s cousin, and Sergei Pavlovich, known for his powerful striking, are also gaining attention. Russian fighters are known for their work ethic and grappling expertise.
David Shaw, UFC’s Executive Vice-President of International and Content, expressed his enthusiasm about the renewal, stating, “Match TV has been a great partner for us over the years, helping us grow the sport and brand through their broad reach and deep, professional coverage. We couldn’t start 2025 better than with two title fights featuring Russian athletes at UFC 311.”
