3 Burning Questions After UFC Kills Pay-Per-View Model
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UFC President Dana White just dropped the biggest news of the year for UFC fans, as the company finally announced the end of its PPV model. The UFC and White revealed their $7.7 billion deal with Paramount and CBS networks, starting in 2026.
UFC fans have spent years voicing frustration over the rising costs of pay-per-view events, with many being priced out of watching big events. Due to this, the UFC has had an ongoing issue with illegal streaming services, with many fans opting to watch streamed PPVs illegally.
However, with the exciting news, it seems like the UFC may be giving back to their fans tenfold when it comes to prices. But what are the answers to the three big questions about the end of the PPV?
What Is The New UFC Price Model?
Earlier this year, UFC fans called for White to ditch the PPV after his boxing promotion partner, Turki Alalshikh, made a statement move when he scrapped the model.
But the long wait for change may have paid off for UFC fans. White’s TKO group partner, Mark Shapiro, confirmed via CNBC that a Paramount+ subscription will give access to every UFC event.
| Paramount+ Essential | $7.99 p/m after a trial |
*Basic Paramount+ Subscription as of 2025
From paying nearly $80 for a singular PPV, fans can now watch every UFC event in a month for as little as 8$.
Surely there’s a catch? Well, possibly.
Will Dana White Push For a Higher UFC Subscription Price?
We have seen a drastic increase in ESPN prices for UFC events, and right now $8 a month seems like a price that’s too good to be true.
“Do we think they will increase the cost of the monthly subscription?” – @TheMMAGladiator
UFC fights are a premium, high-quality product, so when the deal starts next year, it would be no surprise to see a change. Possibly a tier system, or add-on fees to cover costs.
However, streaming platforms often keep prices steady at launch to attract subscribers, and with the expected influx of UFC fans on Paramount+, that’s likely to happen here. Still, fans should be prepared for potential price increases down the line.
Regardless, with big events lined up, like the White House potentially hosting a UFC event, it’s safe to say the price will be worth its weight in gold.
One thing is almost certain to change with no PPVs: Fighter pay.
What Happens to Fighter Pay Without PPV Bonuses?
The long-lasting PPV model hasn’t only affected UFC fans, but also it’s fighters.
UFC’s top-tier fighters often have PPV payouts written into their contracts. But without PPV bonuses, experts predict changes to performance-based payouts.
The $7.7 billion deal agreed suggests that the UFC will be in a much healthier financial position when the deal starts next year. Dana White’s shared his feelings shortly after the news was announced:
Although it’s still unclear how fighter pay will change, many argue that the reported fee justifies higher base pay and bonuses starting in 2026.
Overall, the deal is a big step forward for the UFC, as the MMA powerhouse continues to expand.
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