The UFC plans to maximize its exposure in 2021.
Multiple people with knowledge of the promotion’s plans confirmed to MMA Fighting that the UFC is close to finalizing a plan to have UFC Fight Island 7 air on ABC. The fight card, which takes place Jan. 16, will kick off a trio of events in Abu Dhabi and will be headlined by a featherweight matchup between Max Holloway and Calvin Kattar. Twitter user @DonKingLV was first to report the potential broadcast shift.
At this time, it is unclear what the broadcasting plans will be for the entirety of the event, and how many fights will air on network television.
Should the move be finalized, it will mark the UFC’s broadcast debut on ABC and the promotion’s first event to air on network TV since UFC on FOX 31 in December 2018, which was headlined by Al Iaquinta’s win over Kevin Lee.
Here is the current fight card for the
Max Holloway vs. Calvin Kattar
Brian Kelleher vs. Ricky Simon
Mike Grundy vs. Nik Lentz
Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Muslim Salikhov
Dusko Todorovic vs. Puna Soriano
Omari Ahkmedov vs. Tom Breese
Austin Lingo vs. Jacob Kilburn
Anthony Hernandez vs. Rodolfo Vieira
Warrley Alves vs. Christian Aguilera