UFC leaves Setanta Sports.

by Lynchman on Jun 23, 2009 9:03 AM EDT

There have been been rumors of this with all of Sentanta's financial problems, but Fighters Only is reporting that the UFC has terminated it's relationship with Sentanta sports in the U.K.

UFC UK Division President Marshall Zelaznik said: "It was with great regret that the UFC ended its relationship with Setanta. Over the last two years, Setanta has helped the UFC become the biggest indoor sporting event in the British Isles.

"They were the right partner for us at the right time as we continued to build the sport of mixed martial arts and our brand.

"Throughout the last few weeks we have been kept informed of the situation at Setanta and therefore we are in a position to ensure our UK and Eire fans will not miss any of this summer’s huge UFC events, commencing with UFC 100 in July.

"On behalf of the UFC I want to wish the team at Setanta all the strength to get through what must be very difficult times. We have worked very closely with the entire Setanta team over the past years and wish them the best of luck in the future."

Zelanik said the company will be announcing it's new broadcaster in the upcoming weeks. From what I have heard, Zuffa had started some prelim talks with other companies prior to UFC 99. It will be interesting to see how Zuffa plays this. Do they simply go for the most money, or do they look to sign a deal that garners the most pos exposure for the brand?

They are coming off of a TUF season that annointed two U.K. fighters as future stars. With the right deal, they both could become the next Bisping...provided they can hold their own in the cage. I would imagine each will be handled with kid gloves for the first few fights

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Any ideas who will be carrying their content now?

by pr0cs on Jun 23, 2009 9:58 AM EDT reply actions

The plan was to show 99 on Bravo had Setanta bitten the bullet back then… Maybe they’ll go back to ’em or maybe to Virgin – who have been carrying TUF9…

Because the UFC need a TV deal in the UK, this may work out for Sky Sports rather well. They’ll get a nice, strong fan base who will be very interested in seeing where this goes…

by constantin3 on Jun 23, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions

probably sky sports….
because i dont have sky sports…….

Santana will hav to just go back to playing the geetar.

by Cut-Paste on Jun 23, 2009 10:55 AM EDT reply actions

I hope to god its live or im just ona sream it,im not doing the nine o clock sunday,million ad breaks bravo bullshit agoin………i cant

by RealIrish on Jun 23, 2009 12:35 PM EDT reply actions

I feel your pain buddy. Its not the same if its not live. Even tape delay sucks.

Its like you’re last to arrive at the party.

by constantin3 on Jun 23, 2009 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions

by RealIrish on Jun 23, 2009 1:36 PM EDT reply actions

http://www.setanta.com/global/ie.html

This what setanta is telling us that it has stop trading in england,scotland,wales but will continue in ireland with all the usual programing so maybe the ufc will still be shown on setanta in ireland and somewhere else in england????

by RealIrish on Jun 23, 2009 1:37 PM EDT reply actions