There is plenty of interest in the UFC’s upcoming television broadcast rights deal which ends with FOX at the conclusion of 2018. As FloCombat’s own Damon Martin pointed out, the current landscape of TV and ongoing mergers have complicated the process. 

However, a new report points out what we should be looking for. 

According to a report from Sports Business Daily's John Ourand, everyone should be on the lookout for AT&T and Turner Sports if their merger goes through.

From the report:

I know Fox is the clear front-runner to retain this package. But I have an inkling that once the AT&T deal gains approval, Turner’s David Levy will sign a big-time media rights deal that would put the UFC on all AT&T platforms. Imagine UFC fights on truTV, pay-per-view cards on DirecTV, mobile programming on AT&T Wireless, and over-the-top rights on Turner’s planned sports service. A caveat: If the AT&T deal is rejected (or if it takes too long), the UFC will cut a deal with Fox for around $250 million that will see Fox give up shows like “Ultimate Fighter” that UFC will shop elsewhere. Amazon showed early interest in picking up a streaming package, but it ultimately will pass on a UFC deal.

The report also indicates FOX Sports could be in the mix to pick up WWE broadcasting rights if it loses out on the UFC. 

FOX may remain the favorite to regain TV broadcast rights for the top mixed martial arts promotion, but after failing to get closer to an agreement during its three-month exclusive negotiation period, other suitors will be lining up to land the UFC. 

This will be the UFC’s biggest fight of 2018.

By Josh Sanchez