Versus Announces WEC Deal, Will Also Air UFC Fights

The WEC and UFC are both owned by Zuffa LLC.

The new agreement will also include digital media rights, “giving VERSUS.com the ability to air one non-televised fight and behind-the-scenes footage from each live WEC Event,” according to a story written by Versus’ Ariel Helwani. Versus will also continue to air WrekCAGE, a highlight series of previous events, and additional programming like its “Greatest Knockouts” specials.

The first WEC of the new year will air live on Jan. 10.

Versus, which is owned by Comcast, was dropped by major carrier DirecTV on Sept. 1 after the companies could not come to terms on a renewal deal. Versus reportedly lost 14 millions viewers, or 80% of its total 18 million viewership due to the setback, though Sherdog.com has not been able to directly verify these figures.

Versus attempted to recoup viewers when it offered a free preview period of the channel beginning Sept. 1 through distributing alternatives Dish Network, Time Warner Cable, and Cox. However, the Sports Business Daily reported last week that Versus lost 9 million viewers when the preview period ended on Dec. 1.

Meanwhile, it was announced on Dec. 4 that Comcast had come to an agreement to acquire NBC Universal and its substantial properties. Versus has been earmarked for inclusion and potential distribution expansion in the joint venture between the two companies.