Channel 4 has confirmed a deal that will see it become the exclusive UK broadcast partner of MMA's Professional Fighter League (PFL).

The broadcaster will show the regular PFL season, which begins on April 20, as well as the inaugural PFL Challenger Series.

"The Professional Fighters League is thrilled to announce our broadcast partnership with Channel 4," said PFL CEO Peter Murray.

"As MMA continues to be the growth sport of this decade, we look forward to expanding our unique product this year and building the United Kingdom and Ireland as two top priority international markets for the PFL."

Joe Blake-Turner, C4's commissioning editor for sport, added: "We're delighted to be partnering with The PFL and bringing top quality MMA to British fight fans.

"The PFL is innovative, ambitious, fast and exciting. It's really popular with younger audiences, particularly on digital and a fantastic addition to our expanding sports portfolio."

Channel 4 has been stealthily growing its sports portfolio over the last year, gaining rights to the likes of the Super League, the Club World Cup and the Formula E World Championship.