Case Study: UFC achieves authentic live-event energy and boosted fan engagement with Emplifi

How the largest mixed martial arts promotion company used social media as an always-on channel when fans needed it the most

UFC, the world’s largest mixed martial arts promotion, faced the 2020 challenge of keeping fans engaged and meeting broadcast obligations when live events were disrupted. Partnering with Emplifi, UFC used Emplifi’s social data insights to reorient its strategy toward an always‑on digital experience and prioritize the content fans needed most.

Using Emplifi’s insights, UFC revived archival programming (Ultimate Fighter Month), launched arena‑style digital shows (Fight Island, Quick Hits, Green Room, Inside the Octagon), and localized content for regional audiences while shifting to remote production. The result was historic‑high viewership and sustained fan engagement, more targeted content decisions, and a scalable social strategy—outcomes UFC attributes in part to its partnership with Emplifi.

UFC

David Shaw

Svp of International and Content Manages the Global Strategy