What's happened
UFC's 2026 media deal with Paramount+ launches with UFC Fight Night Vegas 113, featuring 13 fights including key bouts like Gaethje vs. Pimblett and O'Malley vs. Song. The event marks UFC's first on Paramount+ and reflects a major shift from traditional pay-per-view to streaming, with a focus on finishes and global accessibility.
What's behind the headline?
The UFC's move to Paramount+ signifies a pivotal shift in combat sports broadcasting, emphasizing accessibility and audience engagement. This transition will likely increase global viewership, especially in regions where pay-per-view was prohibitively expensive. The focus on finishes and high-action fights aligns with streaming audiences' preferences for entertainment and instant gratification. However, this shift also challenges traditional revenue models, potentially impacting fighter payouts and event profitability. The success of UFC Fight Night Vegas 113 will set a precedent for future UFC events, with the platform's ability to deliver compelling content and maintain high production standards being critical. The inclusion of high-profile bouts like Gaethje vs. Pimblett and O'Malley's resurgence demonstrates UFC's strategic focus on star power to attract viewers and justify the platform's investment. Overall, this move will likely accelerate UFC's global expansion, but it also requires careful management of broadcast quality and fighter compensation to sustain growth.
What the papers say
The articles from NY Post, AP News, and Business Insider UK collectively highlight the significance of UFC's transition to Paramount+. NY Post emphasizes the event's fight card and betting insights, noting the shift from pay-per-view to streaming. AP News provides detailed fight analyses and the implications of UFC's new media strategy, including the impact on fighters and viewership. Business Insider UK underscores the broader industry shift, explaining how Paramount+ is reshaping UFC's distribution model and accessibility, with a focus on global reach and cost reduction. Contrasting opinions are minimal, but some sources focus more on the entertainment and business implications, while others highlight the fighters' perspectives and fight outcomes.
How we got here
UFC transitioned from ESPN to Paramount+ in 2026 under a seven-year deal, aiming to broaden access and reduce pay-per-view costs. The move reflects a strategic shift to streaming, with UFC 324 marking the start of this new era. The event features a mix of high-profile fighters and a focus on finishes, aligning with the platform's global reach.
Go deeper
Common question
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Who Won the UFC Interim Title Fight?
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Why is UFC moving to exclusive streaming on Paramount+?
The UFC's shift to exclusive streaming on Paramount+ marks a major change in how fans watch fights. This move aims to make UFC more accessible and reduce costs, but it also raises questions about what this means for traditional pay-per-view models and viewer experience. Below, we explore why UFC chose this path, what it means for fans, and how streaming platforms are transforming sports broadcasting.
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The Ultimate Fighting Championship is an American mixed martial arts promotion company based in Las Vegas, Nevada, which is owned and operated by Endeavor Group Holdings along with Silver Lake Partners, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and MSD Capital via Zuffa, L
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Patrick Mark Pimblett is an English mixed martial artist who currently competes in the lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional since 2012, he is a former Cage Warriors Featherweight Champion.
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Justin Ray Gaethje is an American professional mixed martial artist. He currently fights in the Lightweight division for the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As of October 5, 2020, he is #7 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings.
Born in Safford, Arizon
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