The Hispanic-based MMA promotion Combate Americas, with UFC co-founder Campbell McLaren at the helm, has reached a one-year television deal with TV Azteca to broadcast their MMA events in both Mexico and the United States. In a statement regarding the new TV deal, Campbell McLaren had this to say:
“Our partnership with Azteca will take Combate Americas to the next level... I was there for the beginning of the UFC and saw how critical the correct television partner is to the growth of the franchise. Azteca has incredible reach in both the U.S. and Mexico, which is why this is such an exciting time for us.”
As one of the largest providers of Spanish-language television programing, TV Azteca will be attempting its first go at providing MMA programming to Mexico by way of Combate Americas. The live MMA events will air on TV Azteca‘s Channel 7 in Mexico and Azteca America in the U.S. The first scheduled event under the new deal is set for January 19, 2017.
On the topic of simultaneous broadcasts in both Mexico and the United States, the Director of Azteca 7 described his target demographic:
“MMA has developed a worldwide audience and through Combate Americas, a passionate following among the fast-growing U.S. Hispanic, millennial audience, which is why we wanted this programming for both U.S. and Mexico.”
On top of live MMA fights, a weekly series named Combate Americas Azteca will be hosted by Combate Americas color commentator Andrea Calle, and is scheduled to premiere on Thursday November 3, 2016 in the U.S. and on Friday November 4, 2016 in Mexico.
If English is your language of choice, then you will still be able to view live Combate Americas events, in English, on UFC Fight Pass. Stay tuned to Bloody Elbow for all of your MMA event news, coverage, interviews, and more.