UFC’s $7.7 Billion Streaming Deal Kicks Off With 5 Million Streams During First Event

UFC 324 earns major numbers on Paramount+ as the first event on the new streaming service after years of PPV based events.

UFC’s $7.7 Billion Streaming Deal Kicks Off With 5 Million Streams During First Event

UFC 324 plays out as a major success (via MMA Fighting, UFC)

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UFC 324 attracted major anticipation as Justin Gaethje was crowned the new interim lightweight champion, giving the event clear competitive importance. It also marked a pivotal shift as the UFC moved away from the pay-per-view model to a subscription-based release on Paramount+. Early viewership figures have now confirmed the transition was effective, with the event posting strong audience numbers.

The T-Mobile arena event was the first to take place under the promotion’s new $7.7 billion media rights agreement with Paramount+, signed for a seven-year term beginning in 2026. The deal grants Paramount+ exclusive U.S. streaming rights to all numbered UFC events along with a slate of Fight Night cards. This agreement officially ended the pay-per-view model, placing major UFC events within a subscription format.

UFC 324 delivered record-breaking viewership in its Paramount+ debut, establishing new benchmarks for the platform’s sports output. The main card averaged approximately 4.96 million viewers and peaked near 5.93 million concurrent streams. When accounting for streaming and broadcast distribution, the event reached more than 7 million households, marking the promotion’s strongest audience in nearly ten years.

During the ESPN pay-per-view era, UFC 229 stood as the promotion’s most successful streaming event, headlined by Khabib Nurmagomedov against Conor McGregor. The fight drew massive global attention due to intense rivalry and championship stakes surrounding the matchup. The event set long-standing records and became one of the most commercially successful events in the promotions history.

UFC 324 featured several action-packed bouts that captured strong viewer interest. In the main event, Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett engaged in a thrilling war, showcasing both fighters’ striking and resilience. Sean O’Malley returned to the win column with a victory over Song Yadong, regaining momentum in his division. Waldo Cortes-Acosta earned a second-round knockout over Derrick Lewis.

While UFC 324 was a massive success in viewership and overall excitement, many fans voiced frustration over the high number of ads aired between fights, which some felt disrupted the flow of the event. Despite the criticism, CEO Dana White confirmed that it was the first event under the new subscription model and assured that adjustments would be made to improve the viewing experience for future cards.

Eddie Hearn talks about why UFC pay is impressive from a business perspective

Dana White has faced ongoing criticism for the underpayment of his fighters, a concern that has persisted for many years. The scrutiny intensified after the new $7.7 billion Paramount+ media deal, which highlighted the promotion’s massive revenue potential. Despite the growing backlash, White has consistently defended the pay structure, arguing that fighter compensation aligns with business realities.

Eddie Hearn talks about Dana White's entrance in boxing
Eddie Hearn talks about Dana White’s entrance in boxing (via X)

Matchroom Boxing CEO Eddie Hearn and Dana White have clashed for years over fighter pay and business practices. Hearn recently suggested UFC fighters might revolt after seeing pay structures at Zuffa Boxing. Despite his criticism, he acknowledged understanding the fighter pay dispute from a business perspective, recognizing the financial pressures involved in running a major promotion.

As a business, it’s incredible that they can get their talent to fight for those numbers, given the revenue the show generates. You’re telling me you’re generating $50 million in revenue in the pot (for UFC 324) and the main event fighters are getting $750k to $1 million? Or whatever the actual figure is. What a business. Wow.

Eddie Hearn via The Ariel Helwani Show

In response to ongoing criticism, Dana White has increased UFC fight night bonuses from $50,000 to $100,000, doubling the incentive for standout performances. This adjustment reflects a willingness to address fighter compensation concerns while maintaining the promotion’s revenue structure. The move may signal the start of a new era in UFC fighter pay, potentially improving athlete satisfaction.

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