World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) announced today that it has struck a television deal with Setanta Sports to air live mixed martial arts action in Australia, giving more than 80,000 viewers "Down Under" access to "the best lightweight fighters in the world."

Coverage of the promotion's events will begin with the upcoming WEC 43: "Cerrone vs. Henderson" show on Oct. 10, 2009. That card will feature a lightweight interim title match between Greg Jackson product, Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone, and fast-rising stud, Ben "Smooth" Henderson.

Here's a snip from WEC Vice President, Peter Dropick, on the deal:

"We are pleased to announce this partnership with Setanta Sports and excited to expand our offerings to fans in Australia. As we continue to grow our brand globally, we think Setanta Sports will play an important role in our international development. We know the Australian fans are passionate about sports. Now that they have the chance to see the WEC brand, we think they will gravitate toward our fast-paced, action-packed fight cards."

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), which is owned by the same company as the WEC (Zuffa), also had a deal with Setanta Sports that was signed back in January. It called for the network to air its events in the United Kingdom; however, that agreement was severed earlier this summer when financial instability caused the network to cease broadcasting in the market.

Regardless, Setanta Sports is a well known and established sports provider in Australia that is responsible for offering a wide range of international sports, including soccer, rugby, boxing, Gaelic Games and cricket, among others.

It can now list "the fastest growing sport in the world," mixed martial arts, to its dynamic programming roster.

For more information on WEC 43 click here.