{"id":345310,"date":"2025-12-14T19:56:10","date_gmt":"2025-12-14T19:56:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/345310\/"},"modified":"2025-12-14T19:56:10","modified_gmt":"2025-12-14T19:56:10","slug":"ufc-sends-classy-gesture-to-espn-before-start-of-7-7-billion-paramount-plus-mma-deal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/345310\/","title":{"rendered":"UFC sends classy gesture to ESPN before start of $7.7 billion Paramount Plus MMA deal"},"content":{"rendered":"

Saturday night’s UFC Vegas 112 event from the UFC APEX marked the end of a seven-year U.S.-based agreement between the promotion and ESPN to air its events. It’s a relationship that began in Jan. 2019, producing 364 live events during that timeframe.<\/p>\n

Officially beginning New Year’s Day before its first event under the new deal, UFC 324, the UFC is going to swiftly transition from the “Worldwide Leader in Sports” to Paramount+. The deal marks a seven-year agreement, totaling $7.7 billion.<\/a> But this isn’t just any television or a typical streaming contract.<\/p>\n

It’s an evolution of the UFC’s viewing experience, as the promotion will no longer require an additional paywall (pay-per-view, which was typically between $75-$85), and instead, one subscription gets a consumer access to all UFC content, iincluding numbered events and Fight Night cards from various cities all over the world, all year long.<\/p>\n

Paddy Pimblett Kicks Off UFC’s Paramount Plus Era At UFC 324\"Paddy<\/p>\n

Apr 12, 2025; Miami, Florida, UNITED STATES; Paddy Pimblett (blue gloves) reacts after defeating Michael Chandler (not pictured) during UFC 314 at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

In a press release Thanksgiving Day<\/a>, CEO Dana White noted how excited he is to get underway.<\/p>\n

“Saturday, January 24th, in Las Vegas kicks off this incredible partnership with Paramount,\u201d White said in a statement. “I am so excited for UFC fans that our first card has six current and former champions, including the long-awaited return of the greatest female fighter of all time – which is definitely the biggest women\u2019s fight ever. “<\/p>\n

White made sure to highlight the headliner, too.<\/p>\n

“Also, in the main event, we have Justin Gaethje versus Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title to see who will face Ilia Topuria later this year on Paramount+,” White added. “This card is absolutely stacked – every fight is a must-see. This deal is such a huge win for fans with no more pay-per-view. I look forward to 2026 being our best year ever.”<\/p>\n

To formally conclude the ESPN relationship, though, the UFC unveiled two packaged tribute videos showcasing the greatest moments in Fight Night<\/a> and UFC pay-per-view history<\/a>. A cinematic-style production chronologically highlighted some iconic moments, including Conor McGregor’s TKO against Donald Cerrone, every Alex Pereira highlight imaginable, a cap tip to former two-division champion Jon Jones, and much, much more.<\/p>\n

READ MORE: UFC fan favorite returns for rematch nearly 10 years in the making at UFC Houston<\/a><\/p>\n

What Happened At UFC Vegas 112?\"Massive<\/p>\n

(Zuffa LLC)<\/p>\n

The UFC’s final event of the year saw Manel Kape (22-7 MMA) move a step closer to a title shot at 125 pounds,<\/a> while other prospects also showed out across a busy 12-fight card from the UFC APEX.<\/a><\/p>\n

For now, though, the UFC is officially on hiatus before a busy 43-event schedule begins next month.<\/p>\n

More MMA Knockout News<\/p>\n

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Stick with\u00a0MMAKnockout<\/a>\u00a0for more FREE coverage of the UFC and MMA.<\/p>\n

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