MANILA, Philippines – The Ultimate Fighting Championship will jump from Balls Channel to TV5 and Cignal starting in 2016.
"This January 2016, we're bringing the fight to you. #UFCOnCignal #UFCOnTV5," said Sports5's official Twitter account, @Sports5PH Sunday night.
The move came after Balls, a sports cable channel of ABS-CBN and the home of UFC for almost a decade, announced it will close shop by the end of this year, paving the way for the world's best fight outfit's transfer.
"Sadly yes," said Balls chief Jojo Estacio on Tuesday told The STAR when asked if Balls Channel is indeed closing.
Since 2008, the UFC was Balls' biggest sports content as it was also aired on ABS-CBN Sports and Action 23 on free television.
Because of Balls, Filipinos' consciousness on mixed martial arts boomed and its popularity grew, paving the way for UFC deciding on holding its first fight card in the Philippines, dubbed "UFC Fight Night Manila," early this year.