Mixed martial arts enthusiasts in Canada will be pleased to know that access to numbered UFC events has been significantly improved. The shift to Paramount+ now makes these major cards available to Canadian viewers without the previous pay-per-view charges. This transition occurs as part of a new media rights agreement, moving away from a prior arrangement with Rogers SportsNet for these specific events.

While Paramount+ will now feature the main cards of numbered UFC events, Rogers SportsNet will continue to broadcast UFC Fight Night events. Additionally, Rogers SportsNet will still show the preliminary bouts for the numbered cards in real-time. This change addresses a long-standing frustration for Canadian MMA fans, who previously had to pay for numbered events while fans in other regions could often access them for free.

The previous partnership with SportsNet began in 2024, following an earlier period in the 2010s when TSN held the Canadian UFC media rights.

Dana White Comments on UFC Broadcast Updates in Canada

In a recent press release, UFC President Dana White commented on this significant development for Canadian fans:

“Beginning in 2027, Paramount+ subscribers in Canada will get every UFC Numbered Event main card live, at no additional cost. Paramount has been an incredible partner that understands the power of UFC, and together we’re going to make it easier than ever for fans in Canada to watch the biggest fights in the sport. I love Canada and I’m very excited for the fans to be able to enjoy the Paramount experience.”

English Translation:

UFC PPVs No Longer Require Pay-Per-View for Canadian Fans, Now Accessible on Paramount+

Canadian MMA fans are celebrating as the way to watch numbered UFC events has changed for the better. The shift to Paramount+ means these key cards are now available without the need for individual pay-per-view purchases. This move follows a previous media rights deal involving Rogers SportsNet. The numbered event main cards will now be streamed on the Paramount+ platform. Rogers SportsNet will, however, continue to broadcast UFC Fight Night events.

To provide further clarity, only the main card portion of numbered events will be available on Paramount+, with Rogers SportsNet airing the preliminary fights for these events live. This is a welcome improvement for Canadian mixed martial arts fans who were previously in a difficult position. While fans outside of Canada could often catch numbered events for free, Canadian fans had to pay for these events, which were strictly pay-per-view for them.

The partnership with SportsNet dates back to 2024, a multi-year agreement with the broadcaster. This followed a period in the 2010s when TSN held the Canadian UFC media rights.

Canadian MMA Broadcast Updates for the UFC Discussed by Dana White

In a press release issued on Thursday, addressing this significant change for Canadian MMA fans and their viewing habits, Dana White stated [via Cageside Press]:

“Beginning in 2027, Paramount+ subscribers in Canada will get every UFC Numbered Event main card live, at no additional cost. Paramount has been an incredible partner that understands the power of UFC, and together we’re going to make it easier than ever for fans in Canada to watch the biggest fights in the sport. I love Canada and I’m very excited for the fans to be able to enjoy the Paramount experience.”