The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is aiming to bring together British combat sports under one banner but could face a bumpy road after being forced to withdraw support to April’s European Judo Championships, following a threat from the European Judo Union (EJU) to cancel the event if UFC was to remain involved.

“We love to see sport thrive and athletes prosper, which is why the UFC prides itself on supporting all combat sports both mixed and individual disciplines,” said UFC’s senior vice-president and general manager of Europe, Middle East and Africa, David Allen.

“Our aim was to help judo reach a new audience, increase promotion, help to sell tickets and create a buzz around the European Judo Championships. It is disappointing to see that the EJU cannot see the benefits of collaboration and celebration of all sports.”

The UFC has revealed plans to bringing all combat sport in the UK together, with the organisation wanting the British Combat Sports Federation (BCSF) to be recognised by Sport England. Through its association with the BCSF, UFC was due to support the European Judo Championships with branding, marketing and promotion.

The mixed martial arts (MMA) organisation had been encouraging the development of its future stars through its affiliation with the judo tournament, but has stepped back for the time being “in the interest of judo athletes and fans.”

“We are the hub of combat sports,” said Allen. “People practice tae-kwon-do, karate and judo individually but if you want a career to earn a living, and you’re good enough, MMA is the sport where you can become a professional athlete.

“Ronda Rousey won a judo bronze medal at the 2008 Olympic Games, Nick Hein is a two-time European champion Glasgow’s Robert Whiteford is a judo player as well. The marriage between the two sports is something we want to help with.”