Exciting times for US MMA fans as UFC drops traditional Pay-Per-View model

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) continues to shake up the combat sport landscape after closing a game-changing deal with Paramount that will bring an end to the MMA powerhouse’s traditional Pay-Per-View model.

It was announced today that the UFC’s parent company, TKO Group Holdings, Inc. - a premium sports and entertainment company - signed a seven-year media rights agreement with Paramount, confirming the latter as the exclusive home of all UFC live events in the United States of America going forward.

With its broadcast deal with ESPN set to expire later this year, TKO Group - which owns the UFC and WWE under one umbrella - will move forward with Paramount in 2026, distributing UFC’s full slate of 13 marquee numbered events and 30 Fight Nights via its direct-to-consumer streaming platform, Paramount+, with select numbered events to be simulcast on CBS, Paramount’s leading broadcast network.

This move is a game-changer for US fans as the PPV model has been a hot topic for many years, with many fans complaining, citing affordability, and often driven to piracy measures to catch their favourite superstars inside the Octagon.

UFC and Paramount Announce $7.7 Billion Deal to Stream Premium Events on Paramount+ Starting Next Year 

Starting next year, UFC and Paramount will move away from the existing PPV model in making these premium events available at no additional cost to the expansive US subscriber base of Paramount+.

The deal, as per a release from the UFC and Skydance Corporation, which owns Paramount, is for $7.7 billion over seven years.

The days of US-based UFC fans paying for PPV, currently going at a rate of $79.99 each (R1420), will be something of the past as a Paramount+ subscription ranges at around $7.99 (R142 per month) to $12.99 (R231) a month for plans without ads and that include Showtime. Discounts are available for annual subscriptions.

Paramount’s Strategic UFC Partnership: Exploring Global Rights and Enhancing Viewer Experience

Paramount, however, did not confirm if pricing plans will change or remain the same once the UFC deal starts. 

Paramount did, however, state that it also intends to explore UFC rights outside the U.S. as they become available in the future.

“I couldn’t be more excited to join forces with Dana, Ari, and Mark. Rarely do opportunities arise to partner on an exclusive basis with a global sports powerhouse like UFC – an organisation with extraordinary global recognition, scale, and cultural impact,” said David Ellison, Chairman and CEO of Paramount. 

“Paramount’s advantage lies in the expansive reach of our linear and streaming platforms. Live sports continue to be a cornerstone of our broader strategy — driving engagement, subscriber growth, and long-term loyalty, and the addition of UFC’s year-round must-watch events to our platforms is a major win. We look forward to delivering this premium content to millions of fans in the U.S., and potentially beyond.”

“This is a milestone moment and landmark deal for UFC, solidifying its position as a preeminent global sports asset,” said Ariel Emanuel, Executive Chair and CEO, TKO.

“Our decade-long journey with UFC has been defined by continuous growth and expansion, and this agreement is an important realisation of our strategy. We believe wholeheartedly in David’s vision and look forward to being in business with a company that will prioritise technology as a means to enhance storytelling and the overall viewing experience.”

“Paramount is a platinum partner with significant reach,” said Mark Shapiro, President and COO, TKO. “Our new agreement unlocks powerful opportunities at TKO for years to come – meaningful economics for investors; expanded premium inventory for global brand partners; and deeper engagement for UFC’s passionate fanbase. Just as importantly, our athletes will love this new stage.”

UFC’s $500 Million ESPN Deal and Upcoming Title Clash at UFC 319

The contract’s payment schedule is weighted more toward the back end of the deal. As per MMAJunkie, the UFC’s broadcast rights deal with ESPN had seen the global sports broadcasting brand pay an average of around $500 million annually over five years. UFC CEO Dana White said in a statement on social media that the deal makes the UFC “amongst the biggest sports in the world.”

This weekend, South Africa’s very own UFC Middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis will defend his title against the dangerous Chechen Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319. The event will take place on Sunday morning (SAST) at the United Centre in Chicago, USA. The show will be available on SuperSport.

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