Opportunity knocks as Bellator plans for huge Sky hit

US mixed martial arts promotion Bellator is in talks with Sky about a long-term broadcast deal as part of its plans to overtake rival UFC.

David Green, head of Bellator Europe, said that 4.5 million Britons tuned in to watch the MMA group’s events last year and that given the sport’s growing popularity, he is confident it can beat those figures.

Bellator has a rolling contract with Channel 5 to screen its events and last year Sky Sports screened Bellator’s fights from London and Dublin, as well as 20 of its US shows.

Green said the MMA promotor is looking to tie up a long-term agreement with Sky for its US and international events.

He added that the greater audiences Sky and Channel 5 attract give it a bigger potential platform than UFC has on BT Sports. He also said that Bellator is nurturing fighters in the

UK, Scandinavia, Italy and Ireland to boost its appeal.

Those efforts will see ex-rugby union international James Haskell make his professional MMA debut later this year. Haskell, who played as a flanker for England,wasps and Northampton Saints, will fight as a heavyweight.