The UFC’s $2.1 billion broadcast deal with ESPN is coming to an end, and the obvious, pressing issue is: where will Dana White lead the promotion next? WWE has already signed significant new contracts, including a $5 billion, 10-year partnership with Netflix for RAW and a $1.4 billion, five-year agreement with NBC for SmackDown. That puts UFC in a strong position to negotiate its next big payday. According to recent sources, a significant shift is on the horizon, with Netflix emerging as a viable candidate for the UFC’s TV rights. Given that TKO Group Holdings owns both the UFC and WWE, there is rising suspicion that the MMA juggernaut may follow in WWE’s footsteps and transition to the juggernaut streaming platform.

The UFC head honcho has been open about his dissatisfaction with ESPN, especially after a series of technical mishaps marred UFC events, most notably UFC 313. Fans struggled to purchase the pay-per-view, and the UFC CEO was reportedly outraged. Furthermore, ESPN is thought to be upset with recent PPV figures, which have been decreasing. These concerns have spurred speculation that the biggest MMA promotion in the world will most likely part ways with the network. Meanwhile, Netflix has made aggressive efforts in the sports industry, securing WWE’s streaming rights and drawing over 100 million viewers for the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson bout.

According to the New York Post, Netflix is the “almost definite” landing spot for the UFC once the ESPN deal expires. A move to Netflix would be a big changer for the UFC, providing it access to a staggering 250 million subscribers and perhaps altering the way fans consume MMA. WWE’s RAW is already set to air on Netflix in 2025, and with both businesses under TKO, it wouldn’t be unexpected if the UFC follows suit. Nick Khan, the man behind WWE’s contract with the streaming giant, might help make it happen for UFC as well. The larger question is whether UFC would ditch the pay-per-view model in favor of a fixed membership fee, something Netflix has been experimenting with in the combat sports market.

Dana White has been tight-lipped about the specifics, only hinting that other bidders are interested, including Amazon, YouTube, and even Disney. “Everybody is looking for a TV deal. Everybody is looking for money,” White recently stated, suggesting that the UFC isn’t in a rush to commit. However, with streaming services rapidly changing the sports media environment, it’s just a matter of time before a decision is reached. If Netflix acquires the UFC, it might result in one of the most significant broadcasting shakeups in MMA history. But while fans wait to see the biggest MMA promotion hit the streaming giant with its events, there has been a major update on the entertainment side of things.

Zack Snyder teams up with Dana White to direct UFC’s ‘Brawler’

The UFC is creating ripples not only in business but also in Hollywood. While Dana White negotiates the promotion’s next big TV contract, the head honcho is simultaneously financing a new project that might bring MMA action to the big screen like never before. Enter Zack Snyder, the creative director who created 300, Watchmen, Man of Steel, and Rebel Moon. Snyder has officially partnered with the UFC to direct Brawler, a film about a teen fighter rising through the ranks of the Octagon. With Snyder’s unique style of intense action and larger-than-life storytelling, this could be the most cinematic take on MMA to date.

The UFC CEO is all in on the idea, and with good reason. The biggest MMA promotion has been growing its brand beyond fights, and Brawler is the most recent attempt to push the sport into mainstream entertainment. “They are both very passionate about this project to show fans what it takes to become a UFC champion,” White said, referring to Snyder and Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, who backs the film. The UFC CEO feels that this film will highlight the guts, determination, and sacrifice that fighters face on their journey to victory.

For Zack Snyder, this project provides an opportunity to delve deeply into the world of combat sports. “Behind every great fighter is the story of how they got there,” Snyder said. “UFC is the world leader in combat sports, and I’m honored to be partnering with them to tell this incredible story.”

Fans can expect high-energy fight sequences and a hard-hitting tale from co-writers Shay Hatten and Kurt Johnstad, who have previously worked with Snyder. Following their landmark event at the Sphere in Las Vegas, which transformed live sports presentations, this is the next step in introducing MMA to a worldwide audience beyond fight nights. What do you think? Will the UFC find success in this new realm? Let us know in the comments.