UFC Secures $7.7B Paramount+ Deal Marking Major Broadcast Shift

Conor McGregor remains a central figure in the UFC and combat sports world, though his career trajectory has been mixed following his lucrative boxing match against Floyd Mayweather, with former champion Daniel Cormier suggesting that McGregor's success has spoiled him and his recent fight teasers are attempts to stay relevant. McGregor has not fought in the UFC since a leg injury in 2021 and has been linked to potential upcoming fights in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), although he remains under UFC contract for two more bouts. Meanwhile, the UFC recently signed a landmark $7.7 billion, seven-year deal with Paramount+ to stream pay-per-view events at a significantly lower monthly subscription cost, signaling a shift away from traditional pay-per-view models. Despite this lucrative deal, former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley warns that the vast majority of the new revenue will likely benefit only top-tier stars like McGregor, Jon Jones, and Ilia Topuria, with regular fighters unlikely to see substantial increases in their pay. The UFC, valued at $11.3 billion, continues to generate massive revenue, but fighter pay remains a contentious issue, reflecting the promotion's dominance and the limited leverage of most fighters. McGregor’s continued prominence and potential return to fighting, combined with the UFC’s evolving broadcasting model, underscore ongoing changes and challenges within the sport.