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Sony Pictures Networks India retains the exclusive media rights of the world’s largest MMA promotion the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), until 2023
Sony Pictures Networks India Private Limited (SPN) has retained the exclusive media rights for the premier mixed martial arts promotion, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) till 2023. The extended partnership with UFCÒ will help SPN to build on the enduring popularity of combat sports in the Indian subcontinent. Fans can watch the LIVE telecast of all the UFC Fight Nights and PPVs, featuring the best MMA talent battle it out inside the world-famous OctagonÒ, live and exclusive on SONY TEN 2 and SONY TEN 2 HD channels. UFC content will also be available on SPN’s premium video on demand (VOD) service, SonyLIV.
In order to meet the growing demand for UFC, owing to the rise in its popularity, SPN is telecasting thematic content ranging from highlights of recent UFC events as well as iconic bouts, fighter stories, countdown shows, and previews of upcoming UFC events. Viewers can tune in at 7:00 PM every Monday to Friday to watch this engaging content on SONY TEN 2 and SONY TEN 2 HD channels. In addition to this, there will also be a repeat telecast at 11:00 PM for viewers who missed the original airing. Top MMA fighters like UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, UFC flyweight and bantamweight champion Henry Cejudo, UFC women’s bantamweight and featherweight champion Amanda Nunes, UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway, former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion Conor McGregor, former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Holly Holm, and UFC heavyweight Derrick Lews, along with past fighters such as former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey and former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar will be prominently featured.
Comments:
Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer, Distribution and Head – Sports Business, Sony Pictures Networks India:
“UFC is the gold standard for the sport of MMA across the globe and features the highest level of talent in their roster. Over the past few years, we have seen a steady growth in consumption of the sport and around 100 million viewers watched UFC on Indian television in 2018. UFC has garnered a dedicated fan base over the past few years and is one of the most watched fight sports properties in India. To meet the growing demand for UFC content, we will telecast both live events and non-live content on the SONY TEN 2 channels.”
Fans can also catch the exciting content on SONY TEN 2 channels at 7:00PM and the repeat telecast at 11:00PM.
· Monday – Countdown shows on the most iconic moments and fighters in in the history of UFC
· Tuesday – Highlights of the most recent UFC event
· Wednesday – Throwback stories behind individual classic and iconic bouts in UFC history
· Thursday –A ‘best of’ compilations of popular fighters or classic bouts
· Friday – Contemporary UFC news and preview stories ahead of the upcoming UFC event on the weekend
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
