BT Sport to air UFC’s return to Fight Island
September 18, 2020
By Nik Roseveare
UFC has announced details for its return to Fight Island, the follow up to the successful series of UFC events.
All UFC events will be broadcast by BT Sport in the UK & Republic of Ireland.
The schedule begins September 26th, with UFC 253: Adesanya vs Costa, as middleweight champion Israel Adesanya faces his toughest test yet against Brazilian powerhouse Paulo Costa. A new light heavyweight champion will be crowned on the same card, as Dominick Reyes takes on Jan Blachowicz for the vacant belt.
UFC Fight Night: Holm vs Aldana follows on October 3rd, then UFC Fight Night: Moraes vs Sandhagen on October 10th and UFC Fight Night: Ortega vs The Korean Zombie on October 17th.
Return to UFC Fight Island concludes with UFC 254: Nurmagomedov vs Gaethje on October 24th on BT Sport Box Office, with the main card starting at 7pm. Featuring perhaps the most highly anticipated match up of the year, undefeated lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov makes his return to the Octagon to defend his belt against interim champion and No.1 contender Justin Gaethje.
“Fight Island was a massive success in every way that you can measure success,” said UFC President Dana White. “While the rest of the world shut down, we worked with our partners in Abu Dhabi to put on the best live sporting experience, and we did it safely and responsibly. The infrastructure they have in place, from the arena, to the hotels, to the restaurants, is second to none, and we’re excited to be going back. Return to Fight Island will showcase some of the best fights of the year, including one that I’ve predicted has ‘Fight of the Year’ potential. This stretch of fights is going to be insane and I can’t wait.”
Simon Green, head of BT Sport, added: “UFC Fight Island brought excitement and intrigue at a time when we needed it most. I know our viewers will be delighted to see it’s return with non-stop live UFC action in October, culminating in UFC 254, one of the most exciting cards of the year, live on BT Sport Box Office.”