Arena Channels Group and the Serbian ADCC Federation Signed an Agreement
Nebojsa Zugic, Director of Arena Channels Group, and Bojan Golubovic, President of the Serbian ADCC Federation, have signed a content licensing agreement, making Arena Channels Group the exclusive broadcaster with the rights to live stream the two most important grappling competitions this year: the ADCC Serbia Open 2023, taking place on May 6th, and the ADCC National Championship, which will be held in Serbia for the first time this fall.
Zugic expressed great satisfaction with the agreement, highlighting that the Serbian ADCC Federation is the fastest-growing submission fighting organization in this part of Europe.
"Let me remind you that Arena Channels Group supported last year's ADCC Serbia Open, which broke all attendance records, and Arena Channels Group received high praise from the European Federation, which expressed great satisfaction with the TV broadcast and the event's organization. This May, viewers will have the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of a competition that will have a record number of participants, with 600 fighters from both Serbia and abroad, accompanied by an audience," Zugic emphasized.
The head of Arena Channels Group emphasized that the largest sports television network in this part of Europe will have exclusive interviews with professional fighters, as well as with juniors and beginners who show great enthusiasm and make significant efforts on their path to success.
"Our journalists will also capture stories with award-winning athletes from various combat sports who will be attending this event. This is a young and very interesting sport that is quickly gaining a following," Zugic highlighted, adding that it has also been agreed that the live broadcast will be available on the Arena Cloud app, making it accessible to viewers across the region.
"We are pleased to be involved in the production and technical aspects of these major events, which also serve to promote Belgrade as a city capable of hosting large sports competitions, and showcase it as an extremely attractive tourist destination."
On this occasion, he also reflected on the fact that Arena had broadcasted the World MMA Championship, and during his recent visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain, Prince Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa expressed his admiration for how TV Arena Sport handled the broadcast of that competition.
"They expressed a desire for us to become their strategic partner in the field of sports and media. I believe we have revolutionized the way combat sports broadcasts are realized, which have become our trademark - especially in terms of multi-broadcasts, which have definitely pushed the boundaries when it comes to broadcasting from arenas," he recalled, adding that it is a great honor and pleasure to broadcast major sporting events held in our country:
"The fact that Serbia is becoming a leader in the region in terms of organizing major sporting events, and that it can present itself to the world in the best possible light in terms of hospitality and conditions for athletes, is no coincidence but the result of recognizing the importance of sports by the state, primarily by President Aleksandar Vucic, but also by the Government of the Republic of Serbia, the Ministry of Sports, and all sports associations and institutions. The development of the Serbian economy and the progress of the state in all fields have provided the conditions for historic investments in sports infrastructure," stated the head of Arena Channels Group, adding that thanks to this, Serbia continues to achieve successes on the sports fields, with results that many world powers would be proud of.
"This support means a lot to us because it allows us to showcase this skill in the best light. As Mr. Nebojsa Zugic already mentioned, this sport is in great expansion and is one of the fastest-growing sports overall. The ADCC organization originates from the Emirates, founded by Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the son of the former president of the Emirates, with the idea of enabling the highest quality competitions so that fighters can showcase themselves in the best light. They have their own rules that may be a bit more liberal, but that’s why it’s the most attractive skill. All MMA fighters, when they want to test how good they are on the ground, come to ADCC competitions because that’s where they demonstrate their skill and readiness," said Golubovic, then addressed ACG director, Nebojsa Zugic:
"We see a bright future, of course, thanks to you, Mr. Director, for recognizing our potential and quality. With your support, we have achieved greater popularity and managed to encourage many young people to engage in sports. Thank you once again for this opportunity."
Finally, he especially emphasized the significant progress made in the last 10 to 15 years:
"I have been involved in this sport for a bit longer, and compared to 10 or 15 years ago, the progress has been substantial. Currently, there is a major expansion in the field of grappling. More and more young people are turning to this skill because it develops the entire body, character, and motor skills, which is why it is also called 'human chess.' It is not just physical; you also have to engage intellectually. It builds and strengthens character, of course, it stimulates a healthier lifestyle, and it keeps kids off the streets. As Nebojsa Zugic said, a healthier nation - more sports is better for all of us," emphasized Golubovic.
