In a bombshell announcement that has sent shockwaves through the combat sports world, UFC CEO Dana White has revealed an ambitious 2026 schedule as the organisation makes a game-changing move to a new broadcast partner. After years with ESPN, the UFC is now set to partner with Paramount in a deal that promises to reshape how we watch fights.
This isn’t just a simple channel switch; it’s a strategic decision aimed at bringing the sport to a much wider audience. The landmark seven-year deal means that starting in 2026, all UFC events will be available exclusively on the Paramount+ streaming service in the United States. Fans will no longer have to pay for individual pay-per-view events to watch the biggest fights, as select numbered events will also be simulcast on CBS. This is a massive win for fans who want to watch all the action without the extra cost, and it’s a huge step for the UFC in cementing its place among the biggest sports on the planet.
A Packed 2026 Schedule
The new deal is kicking off with a bang. White’s ambitious 2026 schedule includes a staggering 44 events, setting an unprecedented pace for the organisation. This calendar will be packed with all the fight nights and pay-per-view events we know and love, featuring a mix of established champions and rising contenders. But it’s not just MMA that’s getting a boost. The UFC is also expanding into other areas of combat sports in a major way.
The new schedule will include an eye-watering 12 Power Slap events. The controversial slap-fighting league has already built a dedicated audience, and bringing it under the UFC banner with a big TV deal shows that White is always looking for new ways to innovate and entertain. On top of that, there will be 14 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) events, which will be available to watch on UFC Fight Pass. This is a great nod to the sport’s roots and provides more content for die-hard martial arts fans.
The Return of Boxing
Perhaps the most exciting part of this announcement is Dana White’s renewed focus on boxing. After major networks like HBO and Showtime pulled out of the sport, boxing has been in a strange place, but White is determined to bring it back to the mainstream. He’s planning to host 16 to 18 boxing events in 2026, aiming to revitalise the sport with a fresh approach. White has hinted at a “Contender style series” where top unbeaten fighters would face off, with the goal of making every single fight on the card a must-see event.
While no specific fighters have been announced for these boxing events, the move has already generated a huge amount of buzz. The possibility of seeing high-profile fighters and champions from the UFC, like Ilia Topuria or Khamzat Chimaev, crossing over to boxing under the UFC banner is thrilling for fans. With a new deal, a massive schedule, and a holistic approach to all combat sports, the UFC is not just looking to the future—it’s actively shaping it.
