UFC vs. ESPN conspiracy theory from retired fighter gains steam as Alex Pereira-led PPV flops

Streaming glitches at UFC 313 featuring Alex Pereira start conspiracy theories regarding an ongoing conflict between UFC and ESPN.

UFC vs. ESPN conspiracy theory from retired fighter gains steam as Alex Pereira-led PPV flops

UFC 313 faced several streaming and buying glitches from broadcasting partner ESPN (via Imago/X)

UFC 313 pay-per-view event was a massive let down for a maximum number of fans who supported Alex Pereira. However, that wasn’t the only problem that they faced during the live streaming of the event. The card was filled with steaming glitches by ESPN, which has now started a conspiracy theory among fight fans.

Given the hype around the fight card, millions of fans tuned in to watch the UFC 313 even on pay-per-view. Among them was UFC veteran Chris Weidman who complained about not being able to buy UFC 313 on ESPN+. His tweet went viral and resonated with many other fans who experienced the same situation.

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Users complained that despite paying over $100 a year for ESPN, they weren’t given an option to buy UFC 313. Many fans were furious and wished for UFC to end their broadcasting deal with ESPN in the future. Former UFC heavyweight Brendan Schaub also faced a similar situation and shared his theory behind it.

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That’s ESPN, who doesn’t give a flying f*ck about the UFC, really. They’re in turmoil.,, That’s someone going, ‘Oh, really, you want to play hard ball? This is what your numbers will look like without us.

Brendan Schaub via his YT Channel

According to Schaub, ESPN never had any troubles regarding streaming until UFC 313. He mentioned that this could be a deliberate effort from the streaming platform following a potential internal conflict. Currently, there is no solid proof of these claims. However, after the disastrous UFC 313, things are definitely not good between ESPN and UFC’s top brass.

TKO top brass fight with ESPN over the broadcasting failure of UFC 313

After many fans complained about the situation during UFC 313, it prompted the TKO Group executives, who manage the UFC and WWE, to take action. The were apparently ‘absolutely furious’ with ESPN’s technical glitches on Saturday night. Due to pay-per-view issues, ESPN took the extraordinary step of releasing a free replay of the fights to ESPN+ subscribers on Sunday morning. 

Dana White's UFC upcoming negotiations with ESPN
Dana White’s UFC upcoming negotiations with ESPN (via X)

However, neither UFC nor the network are issuing any form of rebate as a result of the incident. UFC CEO Dana White also addressed the situation during the post-fight presser, but couldn’t give any solid response. White was already frustrated about the lackluster main event and his disappointment was visible.

ESPN is owned by Disney, which also faced technical glitches during the streaming of this year’s Academy Awards. However, the UFC situation could be different altogether. The UFC is currently in an exclusive negotiation window with ESPN regarding its broadcast rights deal. It is set to expire at the end of 2025, which has further boosted the conspiracy claims made by many fight fans.

This exclusive period lasts until April 15, after which the UFC will be able to consider offers from other potential broadcasters. In 2018, the promotion signed a seven-year agreement with ESPN that included both broadcast rights and exclusive PPV sales through ESPN+. Nevertheless, it would be interesting to see how both the world leaders in their respective fields come to a solution. 

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