Report: UFC strikes long-term deal with Fox, could broadcast 4 fights per year

It appears the UFC has settled on a broadcast partner, and it’s Fox.

The Sports Business Journal reported Tuesday that the UFC and Fox struck a deal that will yield as many as four events per year on broadcast television, citing several sources.  The report said the deal has been agreed upon, and neither side commented to the Sports Business Journal.

Josh Ourand, who authored story, Tweeted that Fox has scheduled a press conference for Thursday afternoon with top executives for “one of the biggest announcements in Fox Sports history.”

UFC president Dana White acknowledged, but did not confirm, the report at a news conference Tuesday in Houston, ahead of the UFC 136 event there Oct. 8.

“I didn’t comment when the Wall Street Journal said we bought G4,” said White, who said he was not getting into the Fox rumor but added that the UFC is positioned correctly for a big television deal.  ”That being said, I think it’s time.  I think we do fit into the sports world with the NBA, NFL, etc.  I have always said what would take it to the next level would be a broadcast deal.  If the deal doesn’t make sense, you’re going to go out of business real fast.

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