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The UFC and Paramount have struck a landmark, seven-year, $7.7 billion deal that will completely change how fans in the United States watch fights. Beginning in 2026, the UFC will be moving away from its long-standing pay-per-view (PPV) model. Instead, all UFC numbered events and Fight Nights will be exclusively available on Paramount+, with select marquee fights also being simulcast on CBS. This marks the end of an era for the UFC, which has relied on PPV since its inception in 1993.
For years, dedicated UFC fans have had to pay a separate fee, typically around $80, for each numbered event on top of their streaming subscription. The new deal with Paramount eliminates this extra cost for subscribers. TKO Group president Mark Shapiro called the PPV model “outdated” and a “barrier” for fans. This change aims to make UFC content more accessible and affordable, potentially attracting a wider audience.
The new agreement will cover the UFC’s full slate of events, including its 13 marquee numbered events and 30 Fight Nights per year. All of these will stream live on Paramount+ starting in 2026. Some of the biggest numbered events will also be broadcast on CBS, providing a huge opportunity for the UFC to reach a new, mainstream audience. The deal is a huge win for Paramount, which has made live sports a cornerstone of its streaming strategy to drive subscriber growth and retention.
