Bellator MMA Announces Broadcast Deal with U.K. Channel 5 for European Series

Just 3 days until #BellatorNewcastle!

Tickets -> https://t.co/eEqpZIyLII@PatrickyPitbull vs @ryanscope1 @AaronCGShore vs Corey Browning@MMABrazierTerry vs @CowaBungard @fabianedwards24 vs @Lee_the_butcher pic.twitter.com/dUTnK1KGiG

— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) February 6, 2019

Bellator MMA has partnered with United Kingdom broadcaster Channel 5 to televise its European Series live on terrestrial TV in 2019.

The California-based promotion announced the partnership on Wednesday. As a result of the deal, Channel 5 will hold exclusive broadcast rights to at least six U.K. and European Bellator events over the course of the year.

The agreement begins on Saturday with Bellator Newcastle, which takes place at Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle, England and is headlined by a lightweight clash between Patricky Freire and Ryan Scope. Former reality TV star Aaron Chalmers squares off against Corey Browning in the lightweight co-main event.

Channel 5, which launched in 1997, adds Bellator MMA to a sports lineup that includes boxing, cricket, World Rally Championship and Premiership Rugby.

“Channel 5 is the perfect platform for us to expand the popularity and customer reach of MMA in the UK and I believe they are a great match for our brand,” Head of Bellator Europe David Green said in a release. “They already have an engaged audience who are committed to the sport and that dedicated fanbase will help us grow here in the UK as we continue to create household names.”