South Korea’s growing passion for mixed martial arts is set to flourish even more as TVING has officially announced that it will continue broadcasting UFC events through 2029.
The streaming platform confirmed on January 19 that it will maintain its partnership with the world’s leading mixed martial arts organization, ensuring Korean fans have access to premium UFC coverage for the next several years.
This announcement secures a long-term destination for UFC content in South Korea, reinforcing TVING’s position as a key hub for fight sports.
With UFC events gaining more attention every year and Korean fans becoming increasingly engaged with global MMA, TVING’s renewed rights bring clarity, excitement, and stability to the viewing experience.
This article explores the significance of the announcement, TVING’s role in expanding UFC viewership, details of UFC’s early 2026 schedule, and what fans can expect from this extended partnership.
TVING Extends UFC Broadcasting Rights Through 2029
TVING’s renewed commitment ensures that UFC will continue to stream live on its platform from 2026 through 2029, allowing fans to watch all major events, including pay-per-views, Fight Nights, and exclusive UFC programming on a single service.
UFC, which broadcasts to more than 210 countries, has built a strong following in South Korea.
Korean fans have shown consistent support for the sport, and TVING’s platform has helped bridge the gap between global MMA and Korean viewers by offering reliable, high-quality coverage.
The extension of exclusive rights means TVING users do not need to worry about switching platforms or missing out on critical events.
With this partnership secured for three more years, UFC viewers in Korea benefit from long-term stability and uninterrupted access to upcoming championship bouts, international fight cards, and rising stars in the sport.
Why the Partnership Matters for Korean UFC Fans
The UFC has grown rapidly in popularity among South Korean viewers. Many Korean fighters have also stepped onto the global stage in recent years, further fueling interest in major international events.
TVING has played an important role in this growth. Instead of providing only basic broadcasts, TVING has consistently introduced features that improve the viewing experience. Korean fans have praised the platform for:
1. Fighter-Focused Storytelling
TVING curates content that highlights fighters’ journeys, backgrounds, and rivalries. This additional context makes each matchup more engaging and helps fans connect with athletes on a deeper level.
2. Match Highlights and Quick Recaps
For viewers who cannot watch full events live, TVING offers comprehensive highlights, allowing fans to catch up on finishes, knockouts, and pivotal moments within minutes.
3. Convenient VOD Options
Full fights and replays are available on demand, ensuring fans can revisit major events or watch bouts they missed without time restrictions.
4. Personalized Recommendations
TVING suggests related content such as past fights, fighter profiles, and preview shows—making it easier for viewers to explore UFC beyond just the main events.
By combining these elements, TVING’s coverage goes beyond simply airing live fights. Instead, it builds a more immersive environment that keeps fans connected to UFC athletes and storylines year-round.
UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett Set to Kick Off 2026 With a Major Title Fight
The announcement coincides with growing anticipation for UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett, the first UFC event of 2026.
Scheduled for January 25 (local time), the event features a highly anticipated lightweight title showdown between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett.
UFC 324 promises to draw huge interest from Korean fans. Both fighters have strong global followings, and the lightweight division remains one of the most competitive weight classes in the sport.
Gaethje’s explosive pressure and knockout power, paired with Pimblett’s charisma and aggressive style, make this an exciting matchup to start the year.
With TVING holding the official broadcast rights, Korean viewers will be able to stream the full event live, along with pre-fight coverage, expert breakdowns, and post-fight analysis.
A Growing Fan Base in South Korea
Mixed martial arts has steadily become one of the most followed sports in South Korea.
As UFC continues expanding globally, Korean fans have responded with strong enthusiasm, viewing numbers, and engagement across multiple platforms.
Several factors contribute to UFC’s traction in Korea:
Growing Interest in Combat Sports
Korean audiences have a long-standing interest in combat sports, including kickboxing, boxing, and traditional martial arts.
UFC brings all these elements together in a modern format that appeals to younger and older fans alike.
Korean Fighters Rising on the International Stage
The success of fighters like The Korean Zombie (Chan Sung Jung), Dong Hyun Kim, and, more recently, other Korean prospects has helped solidify Korea’s presence in UFC.
Homegrown stars naturally drive fan passion and increase investment in global events.
Accessibility Through TVING
TVING’s presence on mobile devices, smart TVs, and desktop browsers has made it easier than ever for viewers to follow the UFC live. This accessibility has helped UFC thrive in South Korea despite time zone differences.
Community Growth and Event Excitement
From watch parties to online discussions, Korean UFC fans have become increasingly active.
Major events often trend on social media, and the UFC’s global appeal continues to spread through Korean digital communities.
How TVING Is Strengthening the UFC Viewing Experience
TVING’s strategy goes far beyond traditional broadcasting. Over the years, the platform has taken steps to ensure UFC fans in Korea have a premium, convenient, and interactive way to watch events.
Below are some of the ways TVING contributes to enhancing the overall UFC experience:
1. High-Quality Livestreaming
TVING offers stable, high-resolution streaming that allows fans to enjoy each fight with clarity.
With the platform continuously improving its technology, users can expect even better performance as UFC viewership increases.
2. Multi-Device Support
Fans can watch events on their phone during commute hours, switch to a laptop at work, or watch on a large screen at home. This versatility allows uninterrupted viewing regardless of location.
3. Commentary and Localized Content
Korean commentary and localized previews help fans stay connected to the action. Many viewers prefer hearing analysis in their own language, especially during big title fights.
4. Rich Library of UFC Content
TVING maintains a strong library of UFC videos, including:
- Past fight replays
- Fighter documentaries
- Press conferences
- Weigh-ins
- Pre-fight and post-fight interviews
This content helps fans stay engaged even between events.
5. Event Hype and Promotion
Leading up to major cards, TVING actively promotes upcoming fights through banners, notifications, and curated playlists. This keeps fans informed and helps build excitement for each event.
What the Extension Means for UFC’s Growth in South Korea
The decision to extend the broadcasting partnership until 2029 highlights UFC’s confidence in the South Korean market as a growing hub for MMA fandom.
It also signals that TVING views UFC as an indispensable component of its sports content catalog.
1. Stability for Long-Term UFC Fans
The extension removes uncertainty. Fans can continue relying on TVING for consistent UFC coverage without worrying about platform changes or blackouts.
2. More Opportunities for Local Engagement
UFC may look to host more events in Asia, including potential Korean fight cards. A solid broadcaster helps support those possibilities.
3. Increased Visibility for Korean Fighters
Rising Korean talent will continue getting exposure through a platform that has been supporting combat sports content for years.
4. Contribution to the Growth of MMA Culture in Korea
As more people watch UFC fights, community interest will naturally grow. This may inspire more athletes to participate in MMA gyms, local competitions, and professional circuits.
TVING’s Long-Term Strategy With UFC
By securing UFC rights through 2029, TVING is making a clear statement about its long-term focus on sports entertainment.
The extension aligns with TVING’s goal of expanding premium content and becoming a leading hub for international sports.
A Focus on Fan Engagement
TVING will continue developing new features that keep fans engaged, including potential interactive elements, enhanced viewing modes, and better personalization tools.
More Storytelling and Behind-the-Scenes Coverage
UFC fans appreciate learning about fighters’ lives, camps, and motivations. TVING may expand on this storytelling approach to give viewers deeper insight into fighters and rivalries.
Exclusive Korea-Focused Content
With interest in UFC rising, TVING could introduce Korea-specific analysis, Korean-language fighter profiles, and locally produced UFC specials.
What Fans Should Look Forward to Between 2026 and 2029
Over the next three years, fans can expect:
- Live coverage of all major UFC cards
- Reliable VOD access for replays and full events
- Highlight packages and curated content
- Localized commentary and analysis
- Improved streaming quality over time
- Full coverage of Korean fighters competing globally
- More storytelling that helps fans understand the sport’s biggest rivalries
With major champions, rising prospects, and unpredictable matchups, UFC’s schedule between 2026 and 2029 will be packed with action, and TVING will be the central platform for Korean fans.
Conclusion
TVING’s decision to continue broadcasting UFC through 2029 marks a significant moment for MMA fans in South Korea.
The partnership ensures consistent access to high-quality UFC content, starting with the major opening event of 2026, UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett.
As UFC continues expanding around the world, Korean fans remain an important part of the sport’s global community.
With TVING providing enhanced viewing options, strong storytelling, and full event coverage, fans can expect a richer, more engaging UFC experience for years to come.
This extension not only solidifies TVING as the home of UFC in Korea but also contributes to the long-term growth of MMA culture nationwide.
For fight fans looking forward to big title fights, rising prospects, and historic moments, the next three years are guaranteed to deliver constant excitement with TVING at the center of it all.
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