UFC and Dish Network Agree to New Contract: Latest Details and Comments

UFC renewed its partnership with Dish Network just in time for Saturday’s UFC 187 in Las Vegas.

UFC.ca passed along the official announcement: “UFC is pleased to announce the renewal of a multi-year partnership with DISH Network L.L.C. to continue providing all of the biggest and most anticipated UFC Pay-Per-View (PPV) events of the year to DISH’s approximately 14 million customers.”

UFC Chief Content Officer Marshall Zelaznik commented on the agreement as well, per UFC.ca: “We are thrilled that DISH will continue to carry UFC PPV events and featured content. Together with DISH we will continue to deliver all of our premium content for years to come.” 

This deal will allow fans to watch Saturday’s UFC 187 fight card, which features the clash between Anthony “Rumble” Johnson and Daniel “DC” Cormier for the vacant light heavyweight title.

The fight headlines a main card that includes five showdowns and pits the power punching of Johnson against the wrestling background and impressive speed of Cormier.

Dan Downes of UFC.com described each fighter’s strengths and set the stage for the must-watch fight:

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Currently riding a nine fight win streak (six by KO) Anthony “Rumble” Johnson is one of the hardest hitters in any division. While his opponent’s wrestling may be more highly touted, Rumble still defends takedowns at an 85% rate and has neutralized grapplers many times throughout the course of his career. An Olympic wrestler, Daniel Cormier gets another shot at gold after suffering the first loss of his career to Jon Jones. A volume striker, he excels at clinch work and dirty boxing.

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Cormier lost his undefeated record to Jon Jones but now gets a shot at Johnson, who enters this fight with nine straight wins. Whichever fighter dictates the tempo and establishes his style of fighting in the early going will likely walk away with the title.

This new agreement ensures fans will get to see that happen Saturday.