The hashtag #SonyLIV is trending across Twitter (X) on June 29, 2025, but not for the reasons Sony would hope. As UFC 317 unfolded, Indian MMA fans flocked to SonyLIV to catch the action—only to be met with frustrating ad interruptions, streaming crashes, and widespread disappointment. Here’s a deep dive into the trend, the user backlash, and what it means for sports streaming in India.
Table of Contents
Why Is #SonyLIV Trending?
SonyLIV, the official digital broadcaster for UFC in India, was the go-to platform for fans eager to watch the much-anticipated Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira Lightweight Championship fight. However, instead of uninterrupted action, viewers were hit with technical glitches and lengthy ad breaks, sparking a wave of negative tweets and making #SonyLIV one of the top trends today.
Fan Reactions: Outrage and Disappointment
The Twitterverse erupted with criticism as fans shared their real-time frustrations. Here are some of the most viral tweets capturing the mood:
Hey @sonyliv, nothing like interrupting a LIVE UFC fight with an ad. Who needs uninterrupted action when you can have a 5 minute ad break right? 🤦♂️ Keep it up, you’ll be the real champ of ruining moments.🤡 #UFC #SonyLIV
— @Mariobarrios69
Bro won and we couldn’t see that.
Thank you sony liv change your name to sony dead.
#ufc #SonyLIV #crash #scam
— @kandpal_pranav
Now I cannot even access the goddamn fight! @SonyLIV what the heck?? Did I just pay to watch your ads? #ufc317 #sonyliv
— @maxstappen3301
Not at this moment #Sonyliv!!! Pathetic platform that should get shut down rn!! WTF man i’m missing all the drama🤦♂️!!
Huge disappointment from @SonySportsNetwk
— @Anonymous_8655
What’s Fueling the Backlash?
- Ad Interruptions: Fans reported that live UFC action was repeatedly interrupted by long ad breaks, causing them to miss crucial moments.
- Streaming Crashes: Many users experienced app crashes or were unable to access the fight after paying for the service.
- Value for Money Concerns: The sense of having paid for a premium experience, only to receive subpar service, amplified user frustration.
The Bigger Picture: What This Means for SonyLIV
SonyLIV’s social media team is now facing a PR crisis, as the hashtag #SonyLIV is being used more for venting than for praise. The trend highlights a critical issue for streaming platforms: user experience is paramount, especially during live events. In a competitive market, technical issues and intrusive ads can quickly erode brand trust and drive audiences elsewhere.
Conclusion
The #SonyLIV trend during UFC 317 is a textbook example of how quickly social media sentiment can shift when user expectations aren’t met. For SonyLIV and other streaming platforms, the message is clear: uninterrupted, reliable service isn’t just a feature—it’s a necessity.
Have you experienced issues with SonyLIV? Share your thoughts using #SonyLIV and join the conversation.
