PFL Renews Exclusive Broadcast Deal with U-Next in Japan

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has solidified its presence in the Japanese market with a renewal of its broadcast rights agreement with U-Next, a leading streaming service in Japan. The extension encompasses all PFL programming, including PFL Global events, PFL MENA, and PFL Africa, signaling a continued commitment to growth in the Asia-Pacific region.

The deal renewal coincides with the PFL Madrid event, which took place early Saturday morning (March 21st, Japanese time). This timing underscores U-Next’s dedication to delivering live PFL action to Japanese fans. The partnership aims to capitalize on the growing popularity of mixed martial arts in Japan and provide a platform for showcasing both international and Japanese talent.

Japan boasts a strong contingent of PFL fighters, including Kana Watanabe, Masayuki Kikuiri, and Takeshi Izumi, who are poised to benefit from the increased exposure provided by the U-Next partnership. The league recognizes the importance of the Asian market, and this deal is a key component of its broader strategy for international expansion.

“Asia is a critically vital region for the global growth of MMA and for the future of the PFL,” stated PFL CEO John Martin. “Over the past year, we have expanded our presence across the Asia-Pacific region as we aim to create modern opportunities for fighters, and fans. Looking ahead, our goal is to continue signing top Asian talent, deepen our partnerships across the region, and bring more PFL events to fans throughout the Asia Pacific.”

Tenshin Tsutsumi, U-Next’s chief executive, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the platform’s commitment to delivering high-quality martial arts content to its subscribers. “Through our platform, we have been proud to deliver a diverse range of martial arts content from both Japan and around the world,” Tsutsumi said. “As PFL continues to expand its global footprint with the new launch of PFL Global events, we are excited to further grow the league’s presence in Japan and bring world-class MMA competition to Japanese fans with the same passion and energy felt inside the arena.”

The PFL’s strategic moves extend beyond broadcast partnerships. Earlier this month, the organization announced a comprehensive agreement with Sportradar, a global leader in sports data and technology. This collaboration will see Sportradar distribute betting data and betting streaming rights for PFL events worldwide.

The Sportradar deal is designed to enhance the PFL’s global betting and gaming strategy, encompassing data feeds, odds formation, live broadcasts, real-time betting wagers, and fan engagement initiatives. This move reflects the growing convergence of sports and betting, and the PFL’s intention to capitalize on this trend.

The PFL’s recent success in Madrid, where Costello van Steenis retained his middleweight title with a third-round knockout of Fabian Edwards, further bolsters the league’s appeal to both fans and potential partners. Van Steenis’s victory, secured with a barrage of standing elbows, provided a highlight-reel moment for the Spanish crowd and showcased the high level of competition within the PFL.

Other notable results from PFL Madrid included A.J. McKee’s unanimous decision win over Adam Borics, Franco Tenaglia’s TKO victory over Yassin Najid, Jacinta Austin’s TKO of Benita van Rooij, and Linton Vassell’s TKO over Jose Augusto. The preliminary card also featured several exciting matchups, with Luciano Pereira, Borja Garcia, Gino van Steenis, Mattia Giordano, Claudio Pacella, and Ignacio Campos all emerging victorious.

The PFL’s continued investment in international markets, coupled with its innovative approach to event presentation and data integration, positions the league for sustained growth in the years to come. The partnership with U-Next in Japan is a testament to the PFL’s commitment to expanding its global reach and delivering world-class MMA action to fans around the world.

Looking ahead, the PFL will continue to build momentum with its upcoming event in Pittsburgh on March 28th, featuring a lineup of top middleweight contenders, including Johnny Elben, Bryan Battle, Dalton Rosta, and Impa Kasanganay. Van Steenis will be closely watching these matchups as he prepares for his next title defense, aiming to maintain his reign as the PFL middleweight champion.