Imagine the thrill of witnessing elite warriors clash in the ultimate test of strength and skill – that's the heart-pounding world of UFC, and now, fans in Japan are getting even more of it! But here's where it gets exciting: a major partnership extension is set to bring UFC's raw energy closer to home. Let's dive into the details of how UFC and U-NEXT are teaming up to revolutionize mixed martial arts viewing in Japan.
This renewed collaboration encompasses every live UFC event, including 13 high-stakes numbered shows and a whopping 30 UFC Fight Nights. U-NEXT isn't stopping there; they're ramping up the excitement with exclusive original content like UFC Countdown, UFC Connected, The Ultimate Fighter, and ROAD TO UFC. For those new to this, ROAD TO UFC is an exhilarating tournament series that scouts the brightest prospects from the Asia-Pacific region, offering them a golden ticket straight into the UFC's global arena. Picture it as a launchpad for undiscovered talents, where young fighters from places like Japan get their shot at fame through intense competitions that blend strategy, endurance, and heart-stopping action.
Adding to the lineup, starting in 2026, U-NEXT will feature Dana White’s Contender Series – a gripping 10-episode live spectacle where aspiring fighters vie to catch the eye of UFC President Dana White and the organization's matchmakers. It's like a reality show meets combat sport, where one impressive performance could mean a life-changing UFC contract. This series isn't just entertainment; it's a testament to the underdog stories that make sports so inspiring, giving viewers a front-row seat to potential future champions.
Kevin Chang, UFC's Senior Vice President and Head of Asia, shared his enthusiasm: “We're overjoyed to keep our alliance with U-NEXT going strong. In the last three years, they've been a fantastic ally in boosting UFC's footprint in Japan, a trailblazing hub for mixed martial arts with top-notch talent and die-hard supporters. From custom shows tracking Japanese competitors on the international circuit to cutting-edge social media tactics, U-NEXT has played a crucial role in amplifying the UFC brand. And with Dana White’s Contender Series joining the mix, we're ecstatic that Japanese viewers will enjoy even broader access to UFC's premium offerings, paving the way for more growth in this vibrant market.”
Tenshin Tsutsumi, CEO of U-NEXT Co. Ltd., echoed the sentiment: “We're genuinely thrilled to prolong our tie-up with UFC. This enduring deal through 2031 means we're committed to sharing the true spirit of this dynamic sport and the bold journeys of Japanese competitors on the world's grandest platform. As a deeply rooted Japanese service, U-NEXT is dedicated to strengthening fan involvement and nurturing a deeper, more lasting appreciation for mixed martial arts here. At its essence, MMA taps into a fundamental human curiosity: 'Who reigns supreme?' There's an instinctive allure to this discipline that resonates with viewers' primal instincts. UFC, perched at the pinnacle of that quest, merges unparalleled expertise with captivating drama. We're privileged to keep delivering UFC's intensity, excitement, and ethos to fans across Japan, acting as a vital link between local supporters and fighters to the zenith of this remarkable sport.”
Now, this is the part most people miss – the cultural debate swirling around MMA. Is it just brutal entertainment, or a celebration of human resilience? Some see it as empowering, highlighting perseverance and skill, while others argue it glorifies violence. What do you think – does the primal question of strength justify the spectacle, or should we focus more on its risks? Share your take in the comments!
Currently, there are eight Japanese athletes proudly representing in the UFC: No. 5 flyweight Tatsuro Taira; past title contenders Kyoji Horiguchi and Kai Asakura; women's strawweight star Mizuki; Dana White’s Contender Series winner Yusaku Kinoshita; and ROAD TO UFC champions Rinya Nakamura, Toshiomi Kazama, and Rei Tsuruya. Up next, aspiring fighter Keiichiro Nakamura is poised in the finals of ROAD TO UFC Season 4, with a coveted UFC deal awaiting the victor – a perfect example of how these competitions can catapult unknowns into stardom.
A bit about UFC®: It's the undisputed leader in mixed martial arts (MMA), a sport that combines elements of boxing, wrestling, and more for thrilling matchups. Boasting over 700 million fans and roughly 318 million social media admirers, UFC stages more than 40 live events yearly in iconic venues worldwide, reaching over 950 million homes via broadcast and digital channels across 210+ countries. Their roster includes elite athletes from 75+ nations, and they offer UFC FIGHT PASS®, a top-tier streaming service for combat enthusiasts. UFC is under TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Learn more at UFC.com and follow them on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok at @UFC.
And here's where it gets controversial again – with UFC's massive global reach, is it promoting a positive culture of competition, or contributing to a society obsessed with spectacle? Does expanding in markets like Japan help foster local talent, or dilute the sport's origins? We'd love to hear your opinions below!
About U-NEXT: As Japan's premier video streaming service, U-NEXT leads in SVOD (Subscription Video On Demand) content volume (as per GEM Partners, October 2025). Offering a vast library of over 420,000 movies, dramas, anime, plus live sports, concerts, and theatrical shows, it provides an unparalleled entertainment hub. Plus, with more than 1.24 million manga, e-books, and magazines, users can effortlessly switch between videos, books, sports, and live events all in one app. Since merging with Paravi in July 2023, U-NEXT now includes beloved content from networks like TBS and TV Tokyo. U-NEXT Corporation belongs to USEN-NEXT HOLDINGS Corporation (headquartered in Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; led by President & CEO Yasuhide Uno). Check them out at video.unext.jp.
