UFC Wraps Up ESPN Era, Moves to Paramount+: Key Points to Note

The MMA community was buzzing with excitement on Monday as news broke that the UFC’s long-standing relationship with ESPN is coming to an end. Starting in January 2026, the promotion will be moving to Paramount+, signaling a new chapter filled with both excitement and uncertainty for fans.

As the news made waves, discussions among our team at Cageside Press were in full swing. There were plenty of questions looming, such as what will happen to shows like Dana White’s Contender Series and The Ultimate Fighter, which have been a staple in the UFC’s programming lineup. While details are still scarce, it seems that only numbered events and Fight Nights are confirmed to be part of the new deal.

One burning question on everyone’s minds is the fate of the stacked numbered events that fans have come to love. With the shift to Paramount+, these events will no longer be pay-per-view, offering fans a more accessible way to enjoy the action. Additionally, CBS will also be airing some events as part of the new broadcast agreement, similar to how ABC currently airs UFC cards.

The decision to move to Paramount+ boils down to one thing: money. Endeavor, the UFC’s parent company, has invested heavily in the promotion and is now set to earn a whopping $1.1 billion annually over the next seven years from the new broadcast rights deal. While some critics argue that fighters are not fairly compensated, there’s no denying that this move presents a significant financial opportunity for the UFC.

The shift to Paramount+ marks a big win for fans, as pay-per-view events will be a thing of the past. Subscribers can enjoy UFC numbered events at no extra cost, making the streaming service a cost-effective option for MMA enthusiasts. With subscription plans ranging from $8 to $12 per month, including access to Showtime content, fans can bid farewell to expensive PPV cards that may not always meet expectations.

In terms of viewership, Paramount+ boasts over 77 million subscribers on the streaming side, indicating a vast potential audience for UFC content. While the ESPN family may have a larger overall reach, the new deal with Paramount+ offers a more lucrative opportunity for the promotion.

In conclusion, the move to Paramount+ represents a new era for the UFC, one that promises financial gains for the promotion and greater accessibility for fans. While the future remains uncertain in some aspects, the shift away from traditional pay-per-view models signals a positive change for the MMA community. Stay tuned as we witness the next chapter unfold on Paramount+!