Now TV, the media entertainment arm of HKT, is bringing UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) to Hong Kong viewers beginning this month.
Now TV plans to broadcast 42 live events per year, which consists of 30 UFC Fight Nights to be shown on Now Sports Plus (Channel 680) and 12 UFC numbered events to be shown on Now Sports 5 (Channel 635). Subscribers will be able to relive the action via Now TV’s on-demand service. Other various magazine programs, including Dana White’s Contender Series, UFC Connected and UFC Countdown, will also be made available for UFC fans.
In recent years, UFC has gained impressive growth and popularity in new and emerging Asian markets, and Hong Kong is no exception. Now TV is taking it one step further by incorporating Cantonese commentary into its live broadcast. Stephen Au Kam Tong, a well-known TV actor and presenter who is recognized for his passion in martial arts, teams up with local MMA fighters Kenny Yeung and Ernest Tang to provide local fans the expertise they have always longed for.
Mr. Derek Choi, Head of Pay TV, HKT, said, “We are very excited to have reached a broadcast agreement with UFC, bringing fans the excitement of this world-class event. The rise in the number of Hong Kong people practicing kickboxing means there is a demand for fight sports. Adding Cantonese commentary with celebrities to our coverage will certainly broaden the audience base. We will also have joint promotion with the local MMA community to raise the awareness of UFC in Hong Kong. Hopefully we will see a local MMA star participating in the UFC fight nights in the future, and fans will be cheering through Now TV’s professional coverage.”
Mr. Kevin Chang, UFC Senior Vice President, Asia, said, “Our partnership with Now TV will take our popularity to new heights in Hong Kong, a city with a long history of martial arts and a strong community of UFC fans. Now Sports is the leader in the industry and bringing a Cantonese commentary team will make the UFC more accessible than ever before.”
Both new and existing customers may subscribe to designated Now TV Sports Packs to enjoy UFC*, while existing customers may subscribe to Now Sports Plus Pack for the nail-biting action*. Now TV’s coverage of the UFC is also available on Now Player, where fans can watch live bouts, replays and other UFC programs on their mobile phones and tablets.
For subscription details, please contact Now TV on +852 2888 0008 or visit www.nowtv.hk.
Source: PCCW Press Release