The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has been making waves in the world of combat sports for years now. With its high-octane fights and larger-than-life personalities, it has captured the attention of millions of fans worldwide. However, with its recent shift to Paramount in a whopping $7.7 billion deal, there has been a lot of speculation about how this move will affect the viewership of the sport.
One of the biggest changes that this deal brings is the fact that fewer people will actually watch the whole card. In the past, fans had to commit to an $80 pay-per-view fee to watch the entire event. This meant that they had to sit through all the fights, even if they were not interested in some of them. However, with the new deal, fans can now choose to watch only the main event and not feel like they are wasting their money. This is a significant shift in the way UFC events have been consumed in the past.
According to veteran UFC analyst, Joe Rogan, this change could have a positive impact on the viewership of the sport. In a recent interview, he stated, “The biggest difference with the move to Paramount is that more people will watch some UFC.” This statement holds a lot of weight, considering Rogan’s extensive experience and knowledge in the world of UFC.
One of the main reasons why this deal could lead to an increase in viewership is the fact that it makes UFC more accessible to the general public. With the high cost of pay-per-view events, many fans were unable to watch the fights live. This often led to them resorting to illegal streaming or waiting for the highlights to be uploaded online. However, with the new deal, fans can now watch the main event at a much lower cost, making it more affordable for a wider audience.
Moreover, this move also opens up the possibility of new viewers discovering the sport. With the rise of streaming services and the popularity of online platforms, more people are turning to digital media for their entertainment needs. By partnering with Paramount, UFC has tapped into a new market of potential viewers who may not have been exposed to the sport before. This could lead to a significant increase in the fan base of UFC.
Another factor that could contribute to the growth of UFC’s viewership is the quality of the fights. With the new deal, UFC has the opportunity to attract top-tier fighters and put together more exciting and competitive matchups. This could lead to a higher level of interest from fans, resulting in more people tuning in to watch the fights.
Furthermore, the move to Paramount also brings with it a new level of production value. With the backing of a major media company, UFC can now invest in better equipment, graphics, and overall presentation of their events. This could make the viewing experience more enjoyable for fans, leading to a higher retention rate and potentially attracting new viewers.
In conclusion, the shift to Paramount with a $7.7 billion deal is a significant move for UFC. While some may argue that it could lead to a decrease in viewership, the overall impact is likely to be positive. With the lower cost of watching the main event and the potential for new viewers to discover the sport, UFC has the opportunity to reach a wider audience and solidify its position as one of the most popular combat sports in the world. As Joe Rogan said, “The takeaway is that more people will watch some UFC,” and that can only be a good thing for the sport and its fans.
