Imagine this, Dana White, faced with a decision that could redefine how millions watch the UFC, is weighing the future of the promotion’s broadcast rights. Stick with ESPN, the trusted partner for five years, or leap into the unpredictable waters of streaming giants like Netflix? With the ESPN deal set to expire in 2025, and Netflix now firmly in the mix, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

As MMA insider Damon Martin put it, “If the UFC ends up doing a deal with Netflix… I can say the stream for the NFL game today has been 100 times better than the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight. Perhaps it really was a lesson learned and Netflix figured it all out.” A glowing endorsement, but is it enough to erase the nightmare of Netflix’s Tyson vs. Paul blunder?

If the UFC ends up doing a deal with Netflix… I can say the stream for the NFL game today has been 100 times better than the Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson fight.

Perhaps it really was a lesson learned and Netflix figured it all out #UFC #WWE #NFL

— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) December 25, 2024

Backtrack to the infamous Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight. Glitches, buffering, and over 85,000 complaints plagued Netflix’s first attempt at live sports streaming. In fact, it was so disastrous that it sparked a class-action lawsuit, leaving fans fuming and the company reeling. But Netflix didn’t just lick its wounds, they came back swinging.

Fast forward to their NFL Christmas Day games this season. Zero complaints, flawless streams, and fans singing their praises. Could this redemption arc position Netflix as a serious contender for UFC’s next big deal? Dana White’s partnership with ESPN has been nothing short of reliable, offering stability and a familiar experience for fans. But with Netflix’s re-entry into the live sports space and its apparent progress, the UFC CEO has a tantalizing decision to make.

TKO Group Holdings President Mark Shapiro recently shared, “They (Netflix) gets the UFC. They’re fans of the UFC. They’ve been to the UFC. Their kids watch UFC.” The question is, will Dana risk it all on Netflix, a platform still building its reputation in live sports, or will he play it safe?

Is Netflix the sole contender for Dana White’s next big partnership?

The plot thickens with Amazon entering the conversation. Jeff Bezos, the tech titan behind Prime Video, was recently spotted ringside at UFC 306 with his fiancée, Lauren Sanchez. His appearance at the event has fueled speculation about Amazon’s interest in securing UFC broadcasting rights.

Amazon isn’t a stranger to live sports. They already broadcast ONE Championship and recently sealed a historic 11-year and $76 billion deal to co-broadcast NBA regular-season games alongside ESPN and NBC. This agreement, kicking off in 2025, positions Amazon as a heavyweight in the sports streaming arena. Could UFC be their next big move?

Dana White’s ambition to elevate the UFC to the same level as the NFL and NBA could make Amazon an attractive option. “To be honest with you, a lot of those potential media people will be at the Sphere this weekend,” White hinted, fueling the rumors even further. For fans, the future of UFC broadcasting is up in the air.

Netflix offers a fresh, innovative approach but carries the weight of its Mike Tyson vs. Paul fiasco. Moreover, WWE is also set to bring its weekly episodic extravaganza in the form of Monday Night RAW to Netflix starting January 2025. And being the pro-wrestling juggernaut’s sister promotion, the UFC could be in for some exciting times!

Whereas ESPN brings familiarity and trust but might lack the cutting-edge appeal streaming platforms can deliver. And Amazon? With its growing sports portfolio, it could be the dark horse in this race. What do you think? Would you embrace a Netflix-UFC partnership, stick with ESPN’s reliability, or explore what Amazon might bring to the table? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!