UFC's Paramount Deal and Its Waning Combat Sports Edge

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UFC Faces Growing Competition as Its Combat Sports Influence Shifts

UFC became one of the most famous combat sports promotions, but it now faces competition from a growing number of leagues and promotions. That raises questions about how UFC can retain talent and remain the biggest marketing name for fighters.

A major move was UFC’s reported $7 billion, seven-year agreement with Paramount, which also ended its pay-per-view model. With an estimated $1 billion in television rights revenue coming in each year, UFC appears to be sitting on its laurels. It is signing more unknown fighters while letting go of some veterans whose costs have increased.

Other leagues are emerging, while ventures such as Real American Freestyle are trying to build interest beyond MMA. Boxing is also making a comeback. The celebrity boxing circuit helped bring attention back to the sport, while boxers such as Ryan Garcia have continued to emerge.

UFC leadership is also becoming involved with Zufa boxing, potentially diluting its energy. Dana White has faced criticism at press conferences for not knowing details about certain fighters. In the past, he appeared to know everything about every fighter, but that no longer seems to be the case.

UFC’s influence is spreading more thinly across combat sports. However, with substantial annual revenue from Paramount, the promotion remains financially secure.