UFC and Paramount Expand Partnership to Latin America & Australia

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Paramount Global are set to significantly broaden their collaboration, announcing a major expansion of their media rights partnership to encompass Latin America and Australia starting in 2026. This extensive seven-year agreement will position Paramount+ as a premier destination for UFC content in these key international markets, building upon an already established deal for exclusive U.S. rights.

This strategic move underscores both organizations’ commitment to expanding the global reach of mixed martial arts and enhancing subscriber value for Paramount’s streaming service. The partnership aims to deliver a comprehensive suite of UFC programming directly to fans, further solidifying the sport’s presence in rapidly growing regions.

Expansion Details for Latin America and Australia

The newly announced expansion extends the robust content offering of the Ultimate Fighting Championship to a broader international audience. Commencing in 2026, the terms of the agreement vary slightly between the two regions, tailored to best serve local fan bases and market dynamics.

Latin America

In Latin America, including vital markets like Brazil, Paramount+ subscribers will gain access to an extensive array of live UFC content. This includes all 13 of the highly anticipated marquee numbered events, which typically feature championship bouts and high-profile matchups. Additionally, fans will be able to stream all 30 “UFC Fight Nights” live, providing a consistent schedule of elite-level competition throughout the year. A significant benefit for subscribers in this region is that this comprehensive live programming will be available at no extra cost, integrating seamlessly into their existing Paramount+ subscriptions.

Australia

For Australian fans, the expanded partnership brings all 30 “UFC Fight Nights” live to Paramount+. These events are a cornerstone of the UFC calendar, showcasing emerging talent and established contenders. Furthermore, Australian subscribers will also have access to the preliminary fights for all marquee numbered events, offering a more complete viewing experience leading up to the main cards. This ensures that a substantial portion of the UFC’s yearly programming will be readily available through the streaming platform.

This international expansion complements the previously announced seven-year deal for U.S. media rights, which also begins in 2026. Under that agreement, Paramount+ is slated to become the exclusive home for all UFC events in the United States, creating a unified global strategy for the promotion’s content distribution.

Leadership Perspectives on the Expanded Partnership

Leaders from both the UFC and Paramount Global have expressed enthusiasm for the expanded collaboration, highlighting its strategic importance for continued growth and fan engagement.

UFC President and CEO Dana White emphasized the evolving nature of the relationship, stating, “The partnership with Paramount has already been incredible and it just keeps getting bigger and better. They are now taking on new territories like Latin America and Australia and this thing is just going to continue to grow. It just shows you how aggressive they are with this business, and I love it. I can’t wait to continue working together and building the next generation of talent all over the world.”

Cindy Holland, Chair of Direct-to-Consumer at Paramount, echoed this sentiment, focusing on the company’s commitment to delivering premium content globally. She noted, “Delivering premium UFC programming to audiences on a global scale remains a top priority for Paramount. We are thrilled to expand upon the historic offering of UFC content for Paramount+ subscribers across all plans to more passionate and engaged fans around the world.”

These statements underscore a mutual vision for leveraging streaming technology to reach a broader, more engaged audience and to cultivate new talent worldwide, further solidifying the UFC’s status as a global sports phenomenon.

Implications for Global UFC Audiences and Paramount+

The expansion of the Paramount and UFC partnership to Latin America and Australia beginning in 2026 carries significant implications for both organizations and, crucially, for the legion of mixed martial arts fans in these regions.

For fans, the primary benefit is enhanced accessibility. Having a consistent and dedicated platform like Paramount+ for premium UFC content simplifies the viewing experience. In Latin America, the inclusion of marquee numbered events and Fight Nights at no additional cost for subscribers makes top-tier MMA more readily available. Similarly, in Australia, the comprehensive coverage of Fight Nights and prelims ensures a robust offering for enthusiasts.

From the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s perspective, this deal represents a strategic maneuver to deepen its market penetration in two critically important territories. Latin America boasts a passionate combat sports fan base and is a source of burgeoning talent, while Australia has consistently proven to be a strong market for UFC events. Securing a long-term, exclusive streaming partner in these regions is vital for brand growth, fan development, and the cultivation of future stars.

For Paramount+, the addition of exclusive UFC media rights in these territories is a powerful subscriber acquisition and retention tool. Live sports, particularly those with a dedicated global following like the UFC, are proven drivers of streaming service subscriptions. This expansion strengthens Paramount+’s content library, making it a more compelling offering against competitors in the global streaming landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the expanded Paramount and UFC partnership officially begin in Latin America and Australia?

The expanded partnership, bringing exclusive UFC content to Paramount+ in Latin America and Australia, is set to commence in 2026.

What specific UFC content will be available on Paramount+ in Latin America?

In Latin America, Paramount+ will offer all 13 marquee numbered UFC events and 30 “UFC Fight Nights” live. This content will be available to subscribers at no additional cost.

What UFC content will Australian Paramount+ subscribers have access to?

Australian Paramount+ subscribers will be able to stream all 30 “UFC Fight Nights” live, as well as the preliminary fights for all marquee numbered events.

Is this international expansion related to the U.S. Paramount+ and UFC deal?

Yes, this expansion is an addition to a previously announced seven-year deal for U.S. media rights, also beginning in 2026, making Paramount+ the exclusive home of all UFC events in the U.S.

When will details about the first events to stream on Paramount+ in these regions be announced?

Details regarding the inaugural UFC events to stream live on Paramount+ in the U.S., Latin America, and Australia are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Conclusion

The extended partnership between Paramount and the UFC, set to roll out in Latin America and Australia from 2026, marks a significant milestone in the global distribution of mixed martial arts. This seven-year agreement not only fortifies the UFC’s international presence but also enhances Paramount+’s standing as a leading platform for premium sports content. By providing comprehensive access to both marquee numbered events and regular Fight Nights, the collaboration promises to deliver unparalleled viewing experiences for a vast and passionate fan base, further cementing the sport’s global appeal and Paramount’s commitment to its diverse subscriber base.