Regional Combat Sports Brand UNF Transitions to National Television on Next Level Sports
UpNext Fighting will make its major television debut on Sunday, January 25, 2026, the promotion is set to broadcast UNF 14: Part 2 on Next Level Sports. This strategic move marks a pivotal shift from regional live events to a nationwide audience across the United States.
Regional Success Paves Way for National Expansion
The organization was formerly known as UpNext Promotions, it built a strong reputation in Southern California at the Commerce Casino. They established themselves as a premier development league, observers often called the brand a gateway to the UFC for top prospects. The company previously relied on digital streaming services like Starfund, their strategy focused on pay-per-view access and YouTube highlights to reach fans. This limited their reach to hardcore enthusiasts, however the leadership team sought to break into the linear television market. The shift comes as combat sports viewership continues to grow, new platforms are actively seeking high-quality fighting content to fill their broadcast schedules.
Next Level Sports Network to Carry UNF Broadcasts
Viewers across the country can tune in on January 25, 2026, to watch the broadcast of UNF 14: Part 2. The event airs on Next Level Sports, this network is available on major providers including DirecTV and Verizon Fios. The broadcast deal allows the promotion to reach millions of potential households, it signifies a major graduation from regional status to a national media entity. The programming schedule places the fight card alongside other professional sports content, this positioning validates the quality of the production.
Leadership Team Drives Strategic Growth
CEO Ryan Buckner and COO Kris Buckner have worked diligently to scale the operation, they aim to provide a professional experience for athletes. Steven Bash leads the production side, he brings extensive experience from Bash Boxing to ensure the telecast meets industry standards. His involvement helps bridge the gap between traditional boxing and mixed martial arts production values. The broadcast will showcase top talent from the roster, George Bastrmajyan serves as the head matchmaker responsible for selecting these prospects. This televised event serves as a critical proof of concept for the brand, it aims to secure a permanent foothold in the national sports landscape.
Television Exposure Transforms Fighter Career Trajectories
This national visibility changes the landscape for up-and-coming fighters, they now have a platform comparable to the Legacy Fighting Alliance. Athletes can attract larger sponsorships outside of the combat sports niche, verified television ratings provide value that digital streams cannot match. The promotion can likely retain top talent for longer periods, fighters may not need to rush to major leagues immediately to gain necessary recognition.
The network premiere sets the stage for the next major live event, UNF 30 takes place on January 31, 2026. Officials expect this momentum to drive interest in future ticket sales and viewership numbers for the rapidly growing brand.
