The UFC sent a gracious gesture to ESPN as it closes a seven-year U.S. broadcasting run ahead of a groundbreaking deal with Paramount+. The final UFC Vegas 112 at the UFC APEX marked the end of the network's seven-year run with ESPN, which began in January 2019 and delivered 364 live events across that span.
From January 1, the UFC will transition to Paramount+, starting with UFC 324. The seven-year, $7.7 billion agreement represents a major shift in how fans will access fights. This deal isn’t just another TV contract; it changes the entire viewing model. Instead of paying a separate pay-per-view fee (often $75–$85 per card), viewers will obtain access to all UFC events—numbered events and Fight Night cards from cities around the world—through a single subscription, year-round.
Paddy Pimblett Opens the Paramount+ Era at UFC 324
In a press release issued on Thanksgiving Day, UFC chief executive Dana White expressed his excitement for the new partnership. He highlighted that the Las Vegas card on January 24 would feature six current and former champions, including what he called the biggest women’s fight ever thanks to the anticipated return of the preeminent female fighter of all time.
White also spotlighted the event’s main attraction: Justin Gaethje versus Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title, a bout that will determine who challenges Ilia Topuria later in the year on Paramount+. He described the lineup as stacked and insisted that every fight on the card is a must-watch. He also predicted 2026 could be UFC’s best year yet, thanks to the no-pay-per-view model.
As a formal curtain-raiser for the ESPN era’s end, the UFC released two tribute videos celebrating the most memorable moments in Fight Night and pay-per-view history. The cinematic montages traced iconic highlights, including Conor McGregor’s knockout of Donald Cerrone and a comprehensive roll call of Alex Pereira’s triumphs, with nods to former two-division champion Jon Jones among other highlights.
UFC Vegas 112 Recap
The final event of the year saw Manel Kape advance toward a title shot at 125 pounds, with other up-and-coming talents making their mark on a busy 12-fight card from the UFC APEX. For now, the promotion is on a brief hiatus before kicking off a packed 43-event schedule next month.
Further MMA Coverage
- Dana White’s take on Henry Cejudo’s UFC 323 retirement continues to draw discussion
- UFC 324 adds two top-ranked fighters to inaugurate the Paramount deal
- A popular fighter aims to snap a losing streak against a tall knockout artist at UFC 325
- An update on eye injuries from UFC Champion Tom Aspinall
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