Paramount and UFC Announce Major Expansion to Latin America & Australia
In a landmark deal, Paramount Global and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) have revealed plans to expand their partnership into Latin America and Australia starting in 2026. This move aims to grow UFC’s presence in these high-potential markets while strengthening Paramount’s sports broadcasting dominance.
A Strategic Alliance Goes Global
Paramount and UFC have been partners since 2019, with CBS Sports and Showtime airing UFC events in the U.S. Now, the collaboration will extend to Latin America and Australia, offering live fights, pay-per-views (PPVs), and exclusive content via Paramount+ and its linear networks.
Key UFC programming, including:
– UFC Fight Nights
– Pay-per-view events
– Exclusive shows (Dana White’s Contender Series, UFC Embedded)
will now be available to fans in these regions through Paramount’s platforms.
Why Latin America & Australia?
Latin America: A MMA Hotbed
Latin America has produced UFC legends like Brazil’s Anderson Silva and Mexico’s Brandon Moreno. With Paramount’s existing reach in Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, UFC content will now be more accessible via localized broadcasts and Spanish-language coverage.
Australia: Surging UFC Popularity
Australia’s MMA scene is booming, thanks to stars like Alexander Volkanovski and Robert Whittaker. UFC 243 in Melbourne drew 57,000+ fans, proving strong demand. Paramount+ Australia will make UFC events easier to stream, boosting engagement.
How Paramount+ Gains an Edge in Streaming Wars
With rivals like ESPN+ and DAZN competing for sports rights, Paramount+ is leveraging UFC’s young, dedicated fanbase to attract subscribers. A Paramount executive stated:
“UFC is a premier sports property, and this deal lets us bring their content to millions of new fans through our streaming and broadcast platforms.”
What Fans Can Expect
- More affordable access (No traditional PPV in some regions)
- Local commentary & promotions
- Enhanced broadcasts (AR graphics, multi-angle replays)
UFC’s Global Growth Strategy
UFC President Dana White has prioritized global expansion. This deal solidifies UFC’s presence in two key markets and could lead to regional fighter development programs.
Challenges to Overcome
- Latin America: Piracy issues may hinder subscription growth.
- Australia: Competing with Stan Sport and Kayo Sports for UFC viewers.
Final Takeaway
This partnership is a major win for both UFC and Paramount, accelerating UFC’s international reach while boosting Paramount+’s sports offerings. As 2026 approaches, fans can expect a transformed MMA viewing experience.
Stay updated with NextMinuteNews for more on this story.
