UFC Fight Pass Digital Network Kicks Off Jan. 4; Plans For 6 Shows in Europe, Asia in 2014

---

The Ultimate Fighting Championship’s rumored digital network will become a reality on Jan. 4, when UFC Fight Night 34 streams live on UFC.tv.

UFC executives announced the launch of UFC Fight Pass on Saturday just prior to the start of UFC 168, revealing that the organization will hold six events in both Asia and Europe next year. The Las Vegas-based promotion plans to hold those live international events in local prime time slots, which has begun to attract new free-to-air broadcast partners, according to UFC Chairman Lorenzo Fertitta.

Fans outside of those markets will be able to watch the events live using UFC Fight Pass, which is currently available in the United States, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. The online video service will feature more than 150 exclusive live bouts next year, as well as the UFC’s entire library of fights, including classic bouts from Pride, World Extreme Cagefighting and Strikeforce.

UFC Fight Pass will cost $9.99 per month beginning March 1, but from Jan. 4 to Feb. 28, the service will be available to all fans in a free trial period. The subscription-based service will also feature additional live programming, such as exclusive fighter interviews and international seasons of “The Ultimate Fighter.”

“One of the questions I get the most is, ‘When are you coming out with the ‘dark ages’ DVDs?’ Here you go. That entire library lives here,” said UFC President Dana White. “The only place you can watch Chael and Wanderlei [on ‘TUF: Brazil 3’] is here, unless you live in Brazil.”