UFC Launches New ‘UFC Fight Deck’ LED Display System Surrounding Octagon for UFC 272

Custom-built display weighs over five tons and features 175 sq. ft. of LED lighting

UFC will debut a new state-of-the-art LED display around the outer circumference of the Octagon at UFC 272: Covington vs. Masvidal on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Dubbed the UFC Fight Deck, these LED decking displays will be used to incorporate lighting effects, graphics, animation, video, and more during UFC events.

The UFC Fight Deck system has been custom built for UFC, weighs over five tons, and features eight tiles comprising over 175 sq. ft. of LED lighting around the standard 30-foot Octagon.  Each panel offers full motion HD video that supports dynamic branding and messaging capabilities.

“We take pride in giving our fans the best in-arena and broadcast presentation possible, and we’re always looking for ways to upgrade the experience,” says Craig Borsari, Chief Content Officer and Executive Producer, UFC.  “This is a use of cutting-edge technology with the most famous setting in combat sports, the Octagon, and it’s going to transform how fans experience UFC events.”

UFC Fight Deck will initially be utilized at every UFC event in the United States, including events at UFC APEX, with plans to eventually incorporate the system into international shows.

The UFC Fight Deck structure was designed and built by staging company All Access, while the LED display screens were manufactured by PixelFLEX, which was previously involved in the design for the UFC Fight Clock proprietary time-keeping system.

UFC Fight Deck will also be integrated at key moments with UFC Fight Clock to give a unified, multi-level LED look to the Octagon.  UFC Fight Clock, which was introduced last year, utilizes advanced technology, including the most flexible high-definition screens in the world, to provide the most accurate time-keeping system in combat sports.

In addition to boosting fan engagement, the UFC Fight Deck will provide unique new partnership branding opportunities for UFC.

“The possibilities for using this technology to integrate our partners into UFC events are limitless,” says Paul Asencio, UFC Senior Vice President of Global Partnerships.  “We’ll be able to elevate our partners’ brands before millions of UFC fans around the world during the most-visible, most-anticipated moments of our events, including in-round action, fighter introductions, and walkouts from the locker rooms to the Octagon.”