2019 and beyond is a pivotal time for combat sports, as the UFC, Bellator MMA, and Matchroom Boxing will have live content on subscription model streaming platforms. While the UFC is putting many of its fights on ESPN+, Bellator MMA and Matchroom Boxing are going to be a part of DAZN (pronounced “Da-Zone”), which is set to make its debut in the United States this September. DAZN is already in countries such as Canada, Japan, Germany, and Austria, with live and delayed rights to various sports programming.
Of course, there will be concern over the fact that combat sports fans are once again having to subscribe to another service, having already spent money on Fight Pass and ESPN+ (as well as WWE Network for pro wrestling fans). What can DAZN bring to the table? We shall soon find out.
Today (Tuesday, July 17th) is the official launch event for DAZN US. You can watch the live stream at the top of the page starting at 12:30 PM ET/9:30 AM PT. In addition to information such as when DAZN will be available to US subscribers, price point (reportedly $9.99 per month), and more, we’ll also have boxing and MMA announcements respectively from Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn and Bellator’s Scott Coker. Hearn is also going to unveil his signings for his new American boxing stable.
The official schedule (all in ET) is as follows:
12:30-12:35pm: Opening remarks from John Skipper, Executive Chairman of Perform Group
12:35-12:40pm: James Rushton, CEO of DAZN, will take the stage to discuss the platform
12:40-12:50pm: Managing Director of Matchroom Sport, Eddie Hearn will take the stage to unveil the boxing fight schedule
12:50-1pm: Scott Coker, President of Bellator MMA, will take the stage to unveil the MMA fight schedule
Closing remarks by legendary ring announcer, Michael Buffer
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There will be a summary of this press conference in a separate post.
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