Showtime Reportedly Interested as Potential New Broadcast Partner for the UFC

During a recent edition of The MMA Hour this week, Showtime Network executive Stephen Espinoza revealed that the premium network was interested in a new broadcast deal with the UFC. The UFC’s current broadcast deal with FOX is set to expire at the end of next year (2018).

The UFC is expected to receive a number of potential new broadcasting offers after the expiration of its current deal. Showtime recently promoted UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor’s blockbuster boxing fight with undefeated boxing champion Floyd Mayweather. Below are some highlights from the MMA Hour interview.

Espinoza on if Showtime would try to court the company as a broadcaster: “It would be silly not to. We are not gonna support the organization on our own shoulders. Not [like] the FOX deal.”

Espinoza on his relationship with Dana White and the Ultimate Fighting Championship brass: “Dana and I have disagreed on some things, but my relationships over there are strong. I like the guys. Virtually, almost all the team that was there in Strikeforce is still over there and I like dealing with them. I like them as people, I like them as individuals and I like them as business people. It’s not to say I don’t like Dana. He and I have had disagreements, which is fine. The NFL and I have disagreements sometimes. It happens.”

Espinoza on how there will be a conversation when the obligations are open: “Whenever they’re free of their obligations. There will be a conversation.”