Abu Dhabi is using UFC's 'Fight Island' as a pilot project to determine if it can expand the event's 'safety bubble' model to include spectators. SportBusiness speaks to Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, executive director of tourism and marketing for the city's Department of Culture and Tourism.
UFC reaps rewards of China investment with Migu deal
China is a top priority for MMA's Ultimate Fighting Championship in terms of international expansion. SportBusiness speaks to Kevin Chang, the UFC’s senior vice-president, Asia-Pacific, about how the promotion aims to succeed in the region.
Lethwei, Myanmar’s best-kept secret, is preparing for the global stage
Three Burmese businessmen and a former One Championship employee are trying to bring MMA's best-kept secret to the world, with a modernised twist. SportBusiness' Callum McCarthy finds out more.
PFL poised to stage 2021 regular season in Las Vegas bubble
The Professional Fighters League is looking to stage its 2021 regular season at a bubble environment in Las Vegas, Nevada, in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic
UFC could have spectators at Fight Island events
The Ultimate Fighting Championship could have spectators present for upcoming events at Fight Island in Abu Dhabi
One Championship confirms return of events in Singapore
Singapore-based mixed martial arts promoter One Championship announced a return to hosting events in Singapore on Friday October 9
UFC confirms return to Abu Dhabi’s “Fight Island” for UFC 253 and UFC 254
The Ultimate Fighting Championship has confirmed its return to Fight Island with five events in September and October, including two pay-per-view cards and three Fight Nights.
Murray Barnett | How to make the right decisions when going ‘over the top’
Murray Barnett, a sports media and commercial expert formerly of F1, World Rugby and ESPN, and director of new OTT consultancy D2CSport, says sports rights-holders needs to be wary of getting the wrong advice when developing a streaming service
USA Rugby ‘cautiously optimistic’ after forging ahead with Rugby World Cup bid
USA Rugby has a new-found spring in its step after being formally accepted as a candidate to host the 2029 women’s Rugby World Cup and men’s event in 2027 or 2031. Bob Williams reports on the Union's bid process.
Bill Daly on managing the NHL’s challenges and opportunities
In this week’s episode, podcast co-hosts Eric Fisher and Chris Russo interview Bill Daly, National Hockey League deputy commissioner. Eric and Chris also discuss potential historic changes in the business of tennis, the ongoing development of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and recent encouraging news for NBCUniversal regarding both the Tokyo Olympics and Super Bowl LVI.
Sports NFTs look to establish staying power
Blockchain-backed digital collectibles, having taken global sports industry by storm, now look to show they are not just the latest technological flash-in-the-pan. US Editor Eric Fisher reports