New UFC online television service launches on Jan. 4
The new subscription-based UFC digital network -- an online home for the promotion's fight library as well as upcoming live international fight cards -- will launch on January 4 with the upcoming show from Singapore.
According to UFC officials, the new online network will launch on the same day as the upcoming fight card although certain details such as the cost for the online subscription are still unavailable.
It's expected that the UFC will present the specifics around the new digital online network during the festivities of UFC 168: Weidman vs. Silva 2 fight week.
The first card airing on the new digital platform will be the show from Singapore where former Strikeforce welterweight champion Tarec Saffiedine will finally make his UFC debut against Korean fighter Hyun Gyu Lim.
Former PRIDE and DREAM star Tatsuya Kawajiri will also make his UFC debut on the card when he faces Sean Soriano in a featherweight showdown.
The upcoming UFC digital network will primarily be used for international fight cards so the start times can be held in their local primetime slot. For instance, the UFC Fight Night card from Australia aired at 9pm ET in the United States, but for the fans in Brisbane, the show took place very early in the morning.
The new digital network will launch with the idea in mind that shows can take place around the world at the standard start times and broadcast online live and then be replayed later for the subscribers to view whenever they choose.
