UFC signs massive multi-year deal with ADCC

UFC Fight Pass continues to expand its catalog with the addition of the ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship telecast.

ADCC is an international grappling championship that takes place every two years with over 100 grapplers from around the world. Notable participants and champions include Gordon Ryan, Yuri Simoes, and Andre Galvao. Over the years, MMA legends like Georges St-Pierre, Fabricio Werdum, and Demian Maia, among others, have competed in the biannual tournament.

Combat sports journalist Luke Thomas reported the news on Twitter:

"UFC announces a multi-year deal to be the official broadcaster of ADCC via Fight Pass. This includes the trials. This is a smart acquisition for Fight Pass and frankly, fairly big news for the grappling world."

Check out the tweet below:

Under the new deal, a Fight Pass subscription will give viewers exclusive access to over 40 ADCC events starting with the ADCC Opens this March, then the Trials, and finally, the Championship stage to be held in September 2024 in Las Vegas.

Fight Pass vice president and general manager Crowley Sullivan expressed his excitement with the new deal signed with the world's most prestigious grappling tournament. The broadcast rights are expected to draw in more viewership and attention to the sport.

---

Shogun Rua retires from mixed martial arts after final fight at UFC 283

Brazilian Shogun Rua bid adieu to the fight game by retiring after one final fight in front of his home crowd in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The light heavyweight faced Ihor Potieria but the fight was a quick one as the younger Potieria rained punches on Rua to end it in the very first round. Rua addressed his home fans and apologized for not ending his story on a high with a win.

In an octagon interview with Daniel Cormier, Rua said:

"First of all, sorry, you guys. I wanted to end my career with a win. But I'm gonna stop it right here. I'm gonna end my career here. I've been in the game for 21 years, [and] in the UFC for 16. I have to thank my fans, everyone, Dana [White], Lorenzo [Fertitta], everyone in the UFC that made it happen through all these years." [via translator]

Shogun Rua fought 24 times in the octagon and won 11 times but was unfortunately on a three-fight skid en route to his retirement. The former light heavyweight champion will forever have a place in the hearts of mixed martial arts fans.

Check out his final address to the fans from the octagon: