England's Brad Pickett (photo via UFC.com)

By FCF Staff

According to a press release sent out by the parties, the Ultimate Fighting Championship has signed a three year, television deal with BT Sport, which will be launching several new premium channels in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The broadcast deal will go into effect this August.

The deal calls for content that will be produced exclusively for U.K. and Ireland markets, and will result in up to 400 hours of UFC programming. The agreement will also feature 30 live broadcasts of UFC events from around the globe.

The UFC’s current broadcasting partner in the region is ESPN U.K., but it’s agreement with the network expires August 1st.

Heading into the recent UFC on FUEL TV in Sweden last month,UFC Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Europe Gary Cook relayed that the promotion was looking for new television partner in the U.K. and Ireland.