Dana White’s UFC, the world’s premier MMA promotion, is gearing up for a monumental shift. Its lucrative $1.5 billion broadcast deal with ESPN is set to expire in 2025, and fans are on the edge of their seats wondering: where will we watch the fights next? Could this be the dawn of a new era for combat sports broadcasting?

CEO White, who has helmed the promotion from its days as a niche spectacle to a global phenomenon, has stated in an interview with CNBC, “We could end up like the NBA and the NFL where we end up on multiple channels instead of just one. … It’s all moving and changing so quickly.” While analysts and experts have put forth names like Amazon and Apple TV as possible suitors, there’s another opinion. According to AI (Artificial Intelligence), the prediction for the UFC’s future may look very different once the ball gets rolling on the promotion’s broadcast deal negotiations!   

Who will UFC sign a TV deal with?

According to Mark Shapiro, president and chief operating officer of Endeavor and TKO Group, who have the UFC and WWE under their umbrella, ESPN holds an exclusive window of negotiations to reach a new agreement with the MMA promotion. In a statement made during The Summit in London in October 2024, Shapiro confessed, “We see a long-term future with ESPN… So we’d love to keep it there, but we do know there are other platforms that can help us grow our sport and [are] maybe more aligned with a certain strategy, meaning premium or volume [sports events], and UFC offers both. So we’re willing to entertain and have those conversations, but we have to first have this exclusive window with ESPN.”  

The exclusive negotiation period will last for the first quarter of 2025 and possibly into April, but what does AI have to say about who gets to claim the UFC’s highly lucrative rights? Enter Netflix, the streaming giant with an appetite for disruption. According to predictions, “The UFC might strike a groundbreaking deal with Netflix for $2 billion for exclusive streaming of its major PPVs, while ESPN retains Fight Night rights for $1 billion.”

Imagine the possibilities! UFC events streaming seamlessly alongside Netflix’s hit series and movies. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about creating a cultural juggernaut. The Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson boxing bout displayed the capacity for Netflix to draw enormous viewership numbers as reports indicate that the exhibition boxing match drew a staggering 65 million concurrent viewers.

The real allure here isn’t just about money—it’s also about legacy. By joining forces with Netflix, the UFC and Dana White could pioneer a new broadcasting model, blending traditional media with cutting-edge streaming. But the AI predictions weren’t done just yet!

They further indicated, “This hybrid model will position the UFC as the first combat sports league to dominate both streaming and traditional media, paving the way for record-breaking global events like a UFC vs. Boxing crossover with the likes of Tyson Fury or Canelo Alvarez on the same card as UFC stars like Jon Jones or Conor McGregor. This approach could redefine sports broadcasting, setting a new benchmark for profitability and fan engagement in combat sports.”

Boxing and MMA have long been seen as rivals. But under the Netflix banner, they could become allies in delivering unforgettable spectacles. Fans may remember the Floyd Mayweather vs Conor McGregor boxing match back in 2017. According to the official announcement by Showtime, the event drew 4.3 million domestic buys, the second-highest buy rate ever in the history of PPVs!

Going back to Mark Shapiro’s statement, with the WWE already signed to Netflix for its’ 2025 broadcast deal, he further shared, “Given that Netflix is fast approaching 300 million global subscribers, it’s a great move for us. It’s a first move, it’s a leadership move.” The subscribers and the key 18-54 demographic that Netflix has captured could also be the difference maker when it comes to the UFC and Dana White finding their next broadcast partner. So what would the changes look like if this monumental shift were to take place? Well, AI has got an answer for that too!

AI predicts huge numbers and changes with this new deal

Assuming that Netflix emerges as the next destination for Dana White’s UFC, what changes can we see unfold in the coming years? Well, there are multiple key areas that the promotion could see their product and the way fans engage with it change. The first thing AI predicted is interactive content.

Picture this, you’re watching the next major UFC PPV on Netflix and you get to vote on which fighter’s corner audio to hear. Unique camera angles, live stats, and real-time fan polls could revolutionize the way fans engage with the event! Making the viewers feel like a part of the action could be something that Netflix brings to the table if it were to ink a deal with the UFC and Dana White.

Next up are the globalized PPVs. With Netflix’s massive global reach, PPVs could become more diverse and accessible. Blockbuster cards hosted in Africa, South America, or other locations not yet explored could become even more profitable. Local stars could headline events, bringing MMA closer to fans worldwide and leading to a more rousing live event feel for the cards.

What about subscriptions? The streaming giant has suffered subscriber losses in the past, most notably reported in the first half of 2022. But with changes to the plan structures, Netflix has kept its momentum and it could benefit the UFC and Dana White as well. Tiered subscriptions could draw in both casual viewers and die-hard fans. A basic plan might give you access to Fight Nights, while premium packages unlock exclusive PPVs and behind-the-scenes content. The result? A more inclusive fanbase.

And here’s the kicker—AR and VR integrations. Imagine sitting “cage-side” from the comfort of your living room. With a headset on, you could feel the energy of the Octagon like never before.  According to AI, this blend of interactivity and innovation could redefine how combat sports are consumed. In the end, Dana White and the UFC’s next broadcasting deal isn’t just about dollars and cents—it’s also about shaping the future of sports entertainment. Whether it’s Netflix, ESPN, or a combination of both, the promotion is poised for a seismic leap. So, what do you think of the AI predictions? Will Netflix step into the Octagon alongside the UFC? What will the changes look like? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!