Bellator MMA have today announced a new broadcast deal that will see live MMA broadcast on the BBC for the very first time.

Eleven fights from Bellator’s upcoming Paris show, which takes place on Saturday 10^th October at the Accor Arena, will be available live on BBC iPlayer to viewers across the UK. In another first for Bellator, the Paris event will also make history by being the first major MMA event ever hosted in France.

Fights featuring on the BBC will include the highly anticipated welterweight bout between England’s Michael “Venom” Page(17-1), better known to fans as “MVP,” and the undefeated Scotsman Ross Houston (8-0,1 NC). MVP is one of the biggest names in MMA, known for his exciting fighting style and highlights reel of knockouts. Houston, a former MMA world champion, will be looking to make his mark on his Bellator debut.

David Green, Head of Bellator Europe, said; “We are thrilled that we will be bringing live action from our first ever show in France to fans across the UK on BBC iPlayer. The BBC is unparalleled in its reach with millions of people tuning in to its sports content every week. We therefore look forward to servicing our existing fans better than ever before as well as hoping to attracting new fans who will be able to tune in to this historic event. The card is stacked from top to bottom so those watching are in for a real treat come Saturday night.”

Scott Coker, President of Bellator MMA, said; “This is a really exciting broadcast deal for Bellator MMA as our presence in the European market goes from strength to strength. Having just put on three events in Milan and now heading to Paris to make history there, we are committed to providing fight fans across Europe with regular events, featuring the world’s best fighters, which are easily accessible to them via our first-class broadcast partners. We have signed more big names to our roster this week and are looking forward to an action packed 2021.”

The live broadcast starts on BBC iPlayer at 4.30pm BST on Saturday and will run through until 10pm BST.

A limited number of fans will be allowed in attendance at this history-making show. The event got the go ahead after the government granted permission for it to take place under the supervision of the French Boxing Federation. Bellator Paris will be the fourth event hosted by the promotion in Europe in the space of two weeks, following three shows held behind closed doors at Allianz Cloud in Milan, Italy.

Please visit www.Bellator.fr and www.Bellator.com for additional information.

About Bellator: 

Bellator is a leading global mixed martial arts and kickboxing organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on both CBS Sports Network and DAZN, the world’s first truly dedicated LIVE sports streaming service. Bellator is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Bellator:

Ryan Grab – (706) 540-3425 – Ryan.Grab@bellator.com

Dan Funston – bellator@thephagroup.com