UFC CEO Dana White joined Jim Rome’s show this week to discuss the promotion’s groundbreaking new media rights deal, upcoming events, and his broader vision for the sport’s future. The seven-year agreement with Paramount valued at $1.1 billion annually, marks one of the most significant shifts in UFC history.
White called the arrangement a win on every front. “It’s great for everybody, it’s great for the sport, it’s great for the fans and it’s incredible for the fighters,” he said. For longtime supporters used to shelling out for individual cards, the change is substantial. UFC programming will now be available through Paramount Plus and CBS for about $12.99 per month.
Still, White made it clear that traditional pay-per-view isn’t disappearing entirely. “Pay-per-view is still very much alive, we still pull good numbers on pay-per-view,” he explained, though the Paramount partnership signals a shift away from it being the default model.
White praised Paramount’s leadership, describing them as “smart, aggressive businessmen that I’m very aligned with and that I like, and they have big plans over the next several years.” In September, the two sides will meet in Las Vegas for a comprehensive strategy session to map out the rollout and long-term approach.
White also confirmed Conor McGregor has re-entered the testing pool and wants to compete, though details remain uncertain. His upcoming August 28 meeting with President Trump will finalize plans for a high-profile White House event.
“I have all the renderings, everything ready to show him for his approval,” White said, noting fighter selections will begin after January. On the question of trust, he was confident about McGregor — “McGregor has never ever, unless he was seriously injured, this guy has always delivered” — but admitted he is “a little more skeptical about” Jon Jones.
White’s vision seems to be unapologetically ambitious for the UFC.
