Dana White is reportedly aiming to secure over a billion dollars from the UFC’s next media-rights deal—more than double what ESPN paid in 2019. With ESPN’s exclusive contract set to expire at the end of 2025, the network has opened a negotiation window to discuss pricing. However, rumors have surfaced about Netflix showing interest in acquiring UFC rights. Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria, has addressed these speculations—but with a twist.

Netflix Content Chief Bela Bajaria recently sat down with Matthew Belloni of The Town to discuss the future of Netflix. During their conversation, Belloni asked Bajaria about the possibility of a partnership between the multi-billion-dollar entertainment giant and the UFC. Her response, however, was rather unsettling. “Here’s the thing: our job is to understand what is out there in every different area. I’m saying we meet leads, we meet people, we understand the market, and we’re going to look at what sort of opportunities exist for us. I think there’s a lot written about this. By the way, if you imagine how many things people think we’re buying, that’d be way over my content budget.”

She further added. “And we’re also going to be smart about understanding the marketplace and what opportunities are available. And like I’ve said, we always understand people love sports. I love sports too. People love them. We know our audiences love them. It is going to always have to make sense in a long-term deal, something to feel eventized, and it has to make economic sense for us. For us, it really has to be a path that makes sense financially.”

A multi-billion dollar deal with Dana White would certainly impact Netflix’s total budget, especially considering that the $446 billion company has already secured a decade-long deal for Monday Night Raw worth a massive $5 billion.

A content deal with the UFC would mean the world for both the UFC CEO as well as Netflix considering the fact that UFC has the absolute monopoly of MMA and Netflix has more viewership, so it is a win-win for both. Interestingly. Ariel Helwani believes that Dana White should choose Netflix.

Dana White gets Ariel Helwani’s backing to ink a deal with Netflix

Back in 2019, UFC etched a 5 years deal with ESPN for approximately $1.5 billion in domestic broadcasting rights. The agreement was later extended by two more years for PPV events, bringing its reported value to $450 million annually. The UFC is looking to move way past these numbers as according to Bloomberg, Dana White is aiming for a $1 billion per year deal.

The broadcasting landscape has been changing since Netflix’s interference in the sporting events, Ariel Helwani believes that Dana White-led UFC might strike a deal with Netflix just like WWE, “Oh yeah there is a strong possibility (Netflix). The biggest story for me in 2025 as far as the business of MMA, is what happens to the UFC’s TV contract here in the United States because their deal with ESPN Plus is up at the end of the year. And they’re going to make a boatload. It is going to be the biggest deal in UFC history.”

The promotion is yet to reveal any necessary lead about their next broadcasting deal, however, Dana White is optimistic that they would continue their run with that of ESPN. Given that, what are your thoughts on the hubbub? State your opinion in the comments below.