The Ultimate Fighting Championship has secured a revolutionary seven-year agreement with Paramount and CBS valued at $7.7 billion, fundamentally transforming how American audiences will consume mixed martial arts from 2026.

The landmark arrangement, confirmed by UFC chief executive Dana White via social media on Monday, eliminates the traditional pay-per-view structure that has defined premium UFC events for decades.

Under the new framework, all UFC programming—including marquee numbered events and Fight Night cards—will stream exclusively through Paramount+ without requiring additional fees beyond the standard subscription.

UFC chief Dana White made the announcement on social media

The agreement represents approximately $1.1 billion annually and signals the promotion's departure from ESPN when their current contract expires.

White expressed enthusiasm about the transformative agreement in a statement posted to social media.

"This historic deal with Paramount and CBS is incredible for UFC fans and our athletes," the UFC president declared.

"For the first time ever, fans in the US will have access to all UFC content without a Pay Per-View model, making it more affordable and accessible to view the greatest fights on a massive platform."

He emphasised the significance of the arrangement for the sport's standing, stating: "This deal puts UFC amongst the biggest sports in the world. The exposure provided by the Paramount and CBS networks under this new structure is a huge win for our athletes and anyone who watches and loves this sport."

The streaming platform will carry thirteen premium numbered events and thirty Fight Night programmes annually as part of the arrangement.

American viewers will gain complete access to UFC's catalogue through Paramount+'s standard subscription tiers, which currently begin at $7.99 monthly.

This represents a seismic shift from the existing model, where enthusiasts must purchase individual numbered events at premium prices.

The forthcoming UFC 319 bout between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev this Saturday exemplifies the current system that will become obsolete in 2026.

The promotion has delivered more than 318 pay-per-view offerings throughout its history, making this transition particularly momentous for the sport's commercial structure.

Dana White's UFC look set to part ways with ESPN

The agreement marks UFC's transition away from ESPN, where the organisation has broadcast its content through the current arrangement.

International broadcasting arrangements appear unchanged at present, with the new structure applying specifically to American audiences.

The shift represents a fundamental departure from UFC's established commercial model, which has relied heavily on premium-priced individual event purchases for its most significant fights.

The deal's timing suggests UFC will complete its existing ESPN obligations before commencing the Paramount partnership in 2026.

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