Dogli Wilberforce
Zuffa Boxing has signed a multi-year broadcast deal with Sky Sports, marking a major change in how boxing will be shown in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The agreement, announced on March 18, 2026, ensures that all Zuffa Boxing events will air live on Sky Sports, with streaming also available on NOW. The deal includes a commitment to stage at least five events each year in the UK. It comes less than two months after Zuffa Boxing held its first show. The promotion is backed by TKO Group Holdings, Saudi company Sela, and chairman Turki Alalshikh.
Zuffa Boxing Expands Quickly with Major Backing
Zuffa Boxing launched earlier this year and has already staged four events at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas. The promotion features leadership from Dana White and Nick Khan.
Early fight cards included top names such as Jai Opetaia. Fighters like Umar Dzembekov and Efe Ajagba delivered knockout wins during those events.
The promotion also made headlines outside the ring by signing Conor Benn from Matchroom Boxing. That move ended Benn’s long link with promoter Eddie Hearn and signaled Zuffa Boxing’s intent to compete at the top level.
Sky Sports Deal Ends Long Matchroom Era
The agreement with Sky Sports ends Matchroom Boxing’s long-standing exclusive relationship. Sky has broadcast boxing for more than 30 years, covering major fights involving stars such as Frank Bruno, Mike Tyson, and Anthony Joshua.
Dana White said the deal reflects the importance of the UK market.
“The UK has played such a pivotal role throughout the history of boxing. The fans there are some of the most loyal and passionate in the world. When you talk about boxing in that region, Sky Sports has always been the home for legendary boxing fights. There’s no bigger or better platform to showcase the best boxing in the UK. This is a massive milestone for Zuffa Boxing.”
Sky Sports Chief Officer UK and Ireland Jonathan Licht also spoke about the agreement.
“Sky Sports has been a long-standing partner to boxing for more than 30 years. Zuffa Boxing has exciting plans for the sport, and we share that same ambition when it comes to putting on the best fights for our customers. We look forward to a new era where we’ll use our platform to both build stars and showcase elite boxing talent here in the UK and internationally.”
First Event and 2026 Schedule Confirmed
The first event under the new deal is ZUFFA BOXING 05: Cortes vs Garcia on April 5, 2026, at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas.
The main event features Andres Cortes against Eridson Garcia. On the undercard, Mark Magsayo faces Feargal McCrory.
Zuffa Boxing will release its full 2026 schedule in the coming weeks. The plan includes at least five events in the UK under the Sky Sports agreement.
