Starting in 2026, UFC will move its iconic reality show 'The Ultimate Fighter' and the prospect-finding 'Contender Series' exclusively to Paramount+, fully consolidating its content on the streaming platform.
Billion-dollar bet: The move is the latest piece of a seven-year media rights partnership reportedly valued at $1.1 billion. The agreement makes Paramount+ the exclusive home for all UFC events in the U.S., Latin America, and Australia, dismantling the long-standing pay-per-view model for subscribers.
Fighting subscriber churn: The two shows have long been pillars of the UFC's programming and will now become the content flywheel that keeps subscribers engaged between major live events. This strategy aims to reduce churn by creating a year-round UFC presence within the Paramount+ app.
The first takedown: The new era for the partnership will kick off on January 24, 2026, with UFC 324 broadcasting live from Las Vegas. It will be the first of 13 marquee numbered events scheduled for the year on the platform.
FGor the UFC, the deal trades direct pay-per-view revenue for a massive guaranteed rights fee and broader audience reach. For Paramount, it's a major wager on live sports to build a content moat and differentiate its streaming service in a crowded market. The UFC deal is a cornerstone of parent company Skydance and Paramount's broader strategy to establish itself as a next-generation global media entity by leveraging high-demand live content to drive its streaming ambitions.
