Now that the 2025 UFC schedule has concluded, the promotion is poised to enter a new era with Paramount as its broadcasting partner. The 2026 schedule promises a significant shift, offering fans easier access to UFC content and a more affordable viewing experience.
The Paramount partnership marks the end of the long-standing ESPN agreement. Moving forward, UFC events will primarily be streamed through Paramount Plus, with select events also simulcast on CBS and local affiliates. A standard subscription will provide access to all UFC fights, representing a considerable reduction in cost compared to previous years.
The 2026 schedule is already taking shape, beginning with several high-profile matchups. UFC 323, headlined by an interim lightweight title bout featuring Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, will kick off the new year. Just one week later, UFC 325 will see Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes engage in a second encounter.
February will feature a series of Fight Night events. The first takes place at the Apex, followed by events in Houston and Mexico City. March promises four UFC events, including a numbered event – UFC 326 – alongside three Fight Nights in Las Vegas, London, and Seattle.
How to watch UFC fights on Paramount?
Fans will have access to UFC content primarily through Paramount Plus, alongside select simulcasts on CBS and local affiliates. A standard subscription to Paramount Plus will provide access to all UFC events. This represents a substantial reduction in cost compared to the prior years, where annual subscriptions could reach upwards of $1,200 or $1,300.
UFC CEO and President Dana White expresses confidence that this partnership will propel the promotion to new heights. He anticipates the extensive marketing efforts of Paramount will significantly contribute to UFC’s continued growth.
“The amount of marketing that these guys [at Paramount] are going to do for the UFC on their platform, it’s impossible for the sport not to get even bigger. It was $1,200 or $1,300 bucks to be a fan this year. It’s going to be $120 next year or something like that for the entire year. We have huge fights coming up, the White House fight alone will be madness,” Dana White shared at the UFC 323 post-fight presser.
As the new year approaches, the MMA landscape is set for a transformative shift. What are your expectations for the UFC and its expanded partnership with Paramount in 2026?