April 2 (Reuters) - Meta Platforms ( META ) has signed a

multi-year deal to become the first "official fan technology

partner" of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), whose CEO was

elected to the Facebook-parent's board in January.

Under the deal, Meta will provide UFC fans a deeper

immersive experience through its services, with its text-based

platform, Threads, becoming the league's official social media

partner, UFC said in a statement on Wednesday.

Meta will have its branding featured in UFC's Octagon

ring for pay-per-view and "Fight Night" events, along with

numerous broadcast features and creative in-arena fan

experiences.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has developed a relationship with

UFC chief executive Dana White in recent years as a mixed

martial arts enthusiast and recreational fighter.

White, along with two others, was elected to Meta's board in

January. The UFC CEO is also a friend of U.S. President Donald

Trump and had spoken in support of his candidacy at the

Republican National Convention in July.