Fight fans in the Philippines will have a new way to get closer to the action, with UFC events streaming on Disney+ from Oct. 11.
From explosive knockouts and dramatic submissions to five-round tactical battles, UFC brings together some of the most accomplished and compelling athletes in sports. Every fight presents a different challenge, with elite strikers, wrestlers and grapplers looking to impose their style inside the Octagon - and a single exchange capable of changing everything.
Joshua Van is one of the most exciting names in the UFC right now, the 24-year-old from Myanmar, having rapidly established himself among the sport's elite. He is the reigning UFC flyweight champion and recently successfully defended his title against former champion Alexandre Pantoja in a five-round rematch. His relentless pace, high-volume striking and willingness to keep pressing forward have made him one of the division's most exciting fighters.
Australia's Alexander Volkanovski brings a very different skill set. One of the most accomplished fighters of his generation, the reigning featherweight champion combines elite movement, striking, wrestling and fight IQ. Volkanovski successfully defended his title against Diego Lopes in Sydney earlier this year, and he will put the belt on the line again against unbeaten contender Movsar Evloev at UFC 333 on Oct. 24.
Then there is Islam Makhachev, whose world-class wrestling and grappling have helped make him one of the UFC's dominant forces. The former lightweight champion has added another championship to his collection at welterweight, while his ability to control opponents on the ground and increasingly threaten with his striking makes every fight a test of technique and endurance. He is the No. 1-ranked male on ESPN's pound-for-pound rankings.
Alex Pereira represents another side of the UFC's appeal. The Brazilian is one of the most feared strikers in the sport, with devastating kickboxing and extraordinary knockout power. When Pereira steps into the Octagon, the possibility of a fight ending with one explosive exchange is never far away.
The women's divisions also feature stars with just as much ability to change a fight.
Valentina Shevchenko is one of the most technically accomplished fighters in UFC history, renowned for her striking, timing, movement and all-around skill. Meanwhile, two-time Olympic gold medallist Kayla Harrison has established herself as one of the sport's leading forces, and she will make the first defence of her UFC women's bantamweight title against former two-division champion Amanda Nunes at UFC 334 on Nov. 14.
Those upcoming title fights are just part of the attraction.
UFC 333 on Oct. 24 will also feature a bantamweight championship fight between Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili, while the Nov. 14 UFC 334 card in New York will feature Ciryl Gane defending the heavyweight title against Josh Hokit alongside Harrison-Nunes.
That variety is what makes UFC so compelling. A fight can become a battle of elite strikers, a wrestling chess match or a grappling contest - or move through all three phases in a matter of seconds. Fighters have to adapt constantly, knowing that one punch, takedown or submission attempt can completely alter the course of a bout.
For fans in the Philippines, that action will be available on Disney+ from Oct. 11, providing a new way to follow the UFC's biggest events and fighters.
The UFC Fight Night card in Las Vegas this weekend is headlined by the middleweight clash between No. 5-ranked Brendan Allen and No. 10 Christian Leroy Duncan. Allen enters on a three-fight winning streak, while Duncan has won five straight, including victories over Roman Dolidze and Jared Cannonier earlier this year. With both looking to move toward the top of a competitive 185-pound division, the five-round main event carries significant stakes.
Whether you're already a passionate UFC follower, or discovering the sport for the first time, there will be plenty to watch, with world champions, Olympic gold medallists, emerging contenders, elite technicians, and some of the most explosive finishers in combat sports all part of the UFC's global roster.
Alongside the live UFC numbered events and UFC Fight Nights, fans will have access to a library of classic fights and the best of UFC content, as well as original and behind-the-scenes programming -- including UFC Countdown, UFC Connected, UFC Main Event, UFC Fight Flashback, UFC Reloaded, and ROAD TO UFC, the breakout tournament offering Asia-Pacific's top professional MMA prospects a direct pathway to UFC. Together, the line-up brings the world's best MMA athletes, biggest matchups and stories behind the fights to one dedicated destination.
The Octagon is coming to Disney+! Get ready for the fight!