TVNZ has secured a groundbreaking deal with the UFC, bringing a unique viewing experience to New Zealand fans. This partnership will offer a blend of free and pay-per-view access to UFC fights, marking a significant step in the sport's local popularity. The agreement covers preliminary events and Fight Nights, which will stream live and free on TVNZ+, with additional broadcasts on TVNZ Duke. The first event, UFC 324: Gaethje vs Pimblett, is set to air on January 25, followed by UFC 325: Volkanovski vs Lopes 2 on February 1. Later in the year, fans can purchase TVNZ+ Event Passes for UFC Numbered Events. This move is expected to attract a broader audience, as evidenced by the positive reactions from fighters like Israel Adesanya and Dan Hooker, who anticipate increased accessibility and visibility for the sport. TVNZ's commitment to viewer safety is also highlighted, with measures in place to ensure audiences are well-informed and protected, especially considering the intense nature of the sport. This deal follows TVNZ's previous initiative to offer a one-off event pass for the FIFA World Cup, showcasing the broadcaster's dedication to providing diverse and engaging content to its audience.
