World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) announced a television deal with Globosat in Brazil today, according to a press release from the promotion.

The deal is for multiple years and gets off to a quick start with WEC 44: Brown vs.?Aldo" on Nov. 18.

WEC Vice President Peter Dropick explained the WEC’s expansion into Brazil as a result of the deep roots Brazilian fighters have in mixed martial arts:

“Brazil is home to some of the most legendary fighters in the history of our sport. We are confident that WEC fighters like Jose Aldo, Wagnney Fabiano, and others can carry on the legacy that started with Hall of Famers like Royce Gracie.”

As Jose Aldo vies for the WEC featherweight title on Wednesday, his fellow countrymen will have a chance to see it all from the comfort of their own homes. The WEC’s  expansion into Brazil has a large part to do with the many skilled Brazilian fighters under contract with the promotion, and airing Aldo’s fight with Brown will certainly be the first of many.

From Armando Augusto Nogueira of Globosat:

“MMA is attracting more Brazilian fans each day. That’s why Combate offers, besides UFC, another great event of this sport, WEC.”

With yet another international television deal for a mixed martial arts promotion, the sport is now stretching out to some of its roots, as the WEC and its lightweight classes storm the television airways in Brazil tomorrow night with WEC 44: "Brown vs. Aldo."