What's Happening?
Combate Global, a prominent Hispanic MMA sports franchise, has announced a partnership with EstrellaTV to produce 20 live television events from EstrellaTV's Burbank studio in 2026. This move follows a successful six-year run on Univision, where Combate Global consistently
achieved strong viewership in a late-night slot. EstrellaTV, a multiplatform Spanish-language network owned by MediaCo Holding Inc., has secured multi-year exclusive broadcast TV rights and will also stream the live events on its app and FAST channel. The events, featuring Combate Global's 'Much More Action' brand, are set to begin in February 2026, with specific dates and fight cards to be announced later. The company will relocate its studio event operations from Miami, where it produced 95 live shows between 2021 and 2024, to Hollywood, California.
Why It's Important?
This strategic move is significant for both Combate Global and EstrellaTV, impacting the landscape of Hispanic sports broadcasting in the U.S. For Combate Global, relocating to Hollywood and partnering with EstrellaTV aims to enhance its star power and storytelling capabilities, potentially expanding its audience reach within the Hispanic community. The previous success on Univision, where it often outperformed established sports properties like MLB, NASCAR, and the NHL, indicates a strong market for its content. For EstrellaTV, securing exclusive broadcast rights for live sports is a major driver for viewership and offers customizable sponsorship opportunities, attracting a highly engaged audience. This partnership could lead to increased advertising revenue and market share for EstrellaTV, while also providing a platform for MMA athletes and Hispanic celebrities to gain broader exposure.
What's Next?
Combate Global and EstrellaTV are expected to announce the specific February 2026 launch date and the complete fight card for their first event in the near future. The relocation of studio operations from Miami to Burbank will involve logistical adjustments for the production team and athletes. The success of this partnership will likely be measured by viewership numbers and the ability to attract new sponsors and talent. The move also positions Combate Global to further leverage its unique television audience, 85% of which, according to Nielsen data, does not watch UFC events, indicating a distinct market segment. Future developments will include the integration of Hispanic entertainment celebrities, such as Kate Del Castillo, who is a shareholder and fan of Combate Global, into the events.
Beyond the Headlines
The partnership between Combate Global and EstrellaTV highlights a growing trend in the U.S. media landscape: the increasing focus on niche markets and culturally specific content. By targeting the Hispanic audience with MMA events, Combate Global taps into a demographic that has shown strong engagement with the sport. This move also underscores the value of live sports content in driving broadcast and streaming viewership, especially for networks looking to differentiate themselves. The involvement of celebrities like Julianna Peña and Kate Del Castillo further blurs the lines between sports and entertainment, potentially attracting a broader audience beyond traditional MMA fans. This strategy could set a precedent for other sports franchises looking to expand their reach by partnering with networks that cater to specific cultural or linguistic groups.
