Apple Sports app adds live UFC updates

Apple is adding a UFC section to its Apple Sports iPhone app, giving users live updates about fights in their personalized feed.

UFC coverage details

The app will list the entire card of fights, including early preliminary action, preliminary action and the main section of fights. Users can see the tale of the tape and fighter rankings before each bout, including prelims. Once fights are underway, the app provides real-time updates on stats such as total strikes, significant strikes, takedowns, knockdowns, submission attempts and control time. Fight pages feature a Strikes by Target view with separate head, body and leg breakdowns, along with filters for individual rounds or the full fight.

Availability and devices

Live Activities will provide real-time updates on Apple Watch and the iPhone lock screen. The fighter picture card can be turned into a widget for the locked screen and main screens of the iPhone as well as onto connected Apple Watch devices. The app requires an iPhone running iOS 18 or later and is free to download from the App Store.

Background

The Sports app debuted in February 2024 with support for basketball, hockey and soccer. Other sports have joined since, including football and tennis. Apple brought it to many more markets ahead of the men's World Cup earlier this year. The update follows the app's addition of golf coverage earlier this year and seven more soccer leagues and formation views in July.

Why it matters

The addition expands Apple Sports into combat sports and gives UFC fans another way to follow events without watching the broadcast.

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Sources

• engadget.com: Apple Sports Adds Live UFC Updates
• sportsbusinessjournal.com: Apple adds UFC section for Apple Sports app
• iclarified.com: Apple Sports Adds UFC Coverage With Round-by-Round Updates and Strike Heat Maps - iClarified

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.