UFC’s exclusive negotiation period with FOX ends, promotion can field offers from other bidders

The UFC on FOX era could be drawing to a close.

Yesterday, the promotion’s exclusive negotiation period with FOX ended, which means it will now be able to negotiate with other bidders as it hunts for a new partner for its TV broadcast rights.

The exclusive negotiating period between the UFC and FOX has ended. The UFC can now field offers from any and all bidders on TV rights.

— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) October 3, 2017

While it’s possible the UFC finds a new home on television, it is also still possible that a new deal is inked with FOX. Whatever the case, the UFC’s deal with FOX does not end until the end of 2018, so don’t expect any big changes to occur immediately.

My last fight on @fs1 did 1.3 million views and is best female fight on channel ever despite only 3 days of commercials before the event

— #UFC219 CyborgVHolm (@criscyborg) October 3, 2017

Im curious who the new domestic media partners will be n how that will change the way I have had my events promoted by the network partners

— #UFC219 CyborgVHolm (@criscyborg) October 3, 2017

As a network it seems difficult to promote a fighter on @ShowtimeBoxing who could also star on @HBOboxing.

— #UFC219 CyborgVHolm (@criscyborg) October 3, 2017

It’s entirely possible the new UFC TV deal gets split between multiple outlets.

— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) October 3, 2017

When would we have an announcement of a new deal?

— Mike Pendleton (@MP2310) October 3, 2017

No clue. FOX has the rights through 2018 so this process could take several months.

— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) October 3, 2017

The UFC has been in business with FOX since 2011, with its first FOX event, headlined by a heavyweight title fight between Cain Velasquez and Junior Dos Santos, airing on November 12 of that year.

Where do you think the UFC will end up once the deal with FOX expires? What would you like to see happen? Join the discussion in the comments section!

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 10/4/2017.