DSPORT today announced that they have acquired the rights from Electus International to air the popular mixed martial arts franchise, Bellator MMA, in India, starting January 2018. Owned and operated by Viacom, Bellator MMA is available to nearly 1 billion people in over 160 countries featuring many of the world’s best and most recognizable combat sports stars.

With MMA’s growing popularity in the region, DSPORT will be the exclusive new home to Bellator starting January 2018. Subscribers in the Indian subcontinent can soon enjoy exclusive linear broadcast transmission of Bellator’s world championship events from venues around the world. 

The first fight card of 2018 season, “Bellator 192: Lima Vs MacDonald” from The Forum in Los Angeles, features an action-packed lineup showcasing the biggest names in the sport. The highly-anticipated event includes a world welterweight title bout between Rory MacDonald and Douglas Lima and the first round of the Heavyweight Grand Prix between two MMA icons, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and ChaelSonnen. Along with major LIVE events, Bellator fans can also look forward to “best-of” specials highlighting the most exciting scenes and iconic moments from the Bellator franchise to date. 

In 2018, Bellator MMA will present 24 live, exclusive, prime time combat sports events from venues in the US and across the globe. Sixteen of the fights will be in the US, and eight will be international, with more events to be scheduled. 

The acquisition firmly establishes DSPORT as the home of combat sports in India with broadcast rights of a top property like Bellator MMA now under its fold. Overall, DSPORT now has rights to broadcast more than 250 hours of fresh Combat sports programming over the next 12 months. 

About Bellator

Bellator is a leading mixed martial arts and kickboxing organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 1 billion people worldwide in over 160 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on SPIKE, the combat sports television leader. Bellator is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world's premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms. 

About DSPORT

DSPORT is a premium sports TV channel launched by Discovery Communications India specifically for the Indian subcontinent. The channel is focused on bringing the most live sports content, over 4000 hours, from around the world to audiences in India. DSPORT’s wide portfolio of live sports content includes the best of Wrestling, football, cycling, horse-racing, golf, Tennis, motorsports, and extreme sports from around the world. From the Tour de France to the Six Nations Rugby, the prestigious British Open in golf to football’s Chinese Super League, DSPORT celebrates sporting excellence, connects audiences with the athletes and sports they love and demonstrates Discovery’s commitment to super-serve passionate sports fans across the sub-continent.