LAS VEGAS, NV & SEATTLE, WA – Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®), the world’s fastest-growing sports organization, today announced that Getty Images, a leading creator and distributor of visual content and other digital media, will be the authorized worldwide commercial distribution partner of imagery captured by UFC’s photographers and licensor of the entire UFC image archive. This is the first time the UFC has awarded full access to its photography collection of more than 10,000 images.
“We are pleased to announce this partnership with Getty Images,” said Dana White, UFC President. “The popularity of UFC continues to grow, and this partnership with Getty Images is going to help us reach a bigger audience, both in the U.S. and internationally.”
Through this partnership with UFC, Getty Images will manage the distribution and licensing of UFC’s rich archive of pivotal moments in mixed martial arts to service media customers, marketing partners and other third-party outlets. Additionally, Getty Images will curate one of the most significant collections of UFC imagery as its team of award-winning photographers capture the sport’s defining moments throughout the year. This collection includes premier events such as the most recent UFC 116 heavyweight title fight between Brock Lesnar and Shane Carwin, plus the upcoming Aug. 7th UFC 117 event featuring the return of the world’s greatest pound- for-pound fighter Anderson Silva, UFC middleweight champion vs. Chael Sonnen, number one middleweight contender.
“Given the growing popularity of mixed martial arts in the U.S. and its international following, Getty Images is excited to offer the exceptional imagery of the UFC to both media and fans around the globe,” said Adrian Murrell, senior vice president, global editorial for Getty Images. “This partnership further demonstrates Getty Images’ unique experience to conserve, market, license and manage sports photography rights and collections.”
Getty Images is a recognized leader in photographic excellence, consistently gaining industry prominence by earning top awards and demonstrating a solid commitment to the highest photojournalism standards. This leadership has led Getty Images to become the accredited photo supplier to more than 50 international sports leagues and governing bodies, housing the most prolific sports collection.
To access the UFC collection, visit: http://www.gettyimages.com/Editorial/Frontdoor/UFC .