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Sean O’Malley Explains Why Piracy Led to the UFC’s Massive Paramount Deal

Did piracy play a role in the UFC’s groundbreaking deal with Paramount?

Earlier this month, the Ultimate Fighting Championship officially announced that as of 2026, its live events will air exclusively on Paramount’s streaming platform. The media and entertainment company plunked down a whopping $7.7 billion to be the exclusive home of UFC events for the next seven years.

Perhaps the most exciting bit of news surrounding the deal was the revelation that all UFC events, including premium numbered cards typically reserved for pay-per-view, will air live on Paramount+ for the cost of a monthly subscription.