UFC, Paramount off to fast start after streaming partnership debuts

The partnership between the UFC and Paramount+ is off to an impressive start.

The UFC’s debut on Paramount+ Jan. 24 delivered nearly five million streaming views and over seven million households, according to a news release issued by Paramount, the UFC’s new exclusive streaming partner.

The event, UFC 324, reached more homes than any other live UFC event in nearly a decade across linear, broadcast and streaming, according to Paramount, which cited Adobe Analytics and Nielsen Media as sources.

Paramount, which charges a subscription fee that starts at $8.99, is distributing the fights in the United States and Latin American without per-per-view fees that were charged by ESPN over the past seven years.

UFC signed a seven-year, $7.7 billion deal with Paramount+, which replaced ESPN.

UFC delivered big inside the Octagon, too. A night of entertaining fights culminated with a riveting five-round bout between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett. Gaethje prevailed by unanimous decision and won the interim lightweight title.