Mixed martial arts fans in Canada can now enjoy numbered UFC events in sync with the rest of the world, thanks to a recent transition to Paramount+. This change follows a previous media rights agreement with Rogers SportsNet. Numbered UFC cards will now be exclusively available on the Paramount+ platform. Rogers SportsNet will continue to air UFC Fight Night events.
To clarify the new arrangement, only the main card of numbered UFC events will be streamed on Paramount+. Rogers SportsNet will broadcast the preliminary bouts of these events in real-time. This is a welcome development for Canadian MMA enthusiasts who previously faced a disparity: fans outside of Canada could watch numbered events for free, while Canadian viewers had to pay for these events as pay-per-views.
The partnership with SportsNet began in 2024, establishing a multi-year deal. Prior to this, the UFC media rights in Canada were held by TSN during the 2010s.
Dana White Comments on UFC Broadcast Changes in Canada
In a press release on Thursday, addressing this significant shift for Canadian MMA fans and their viewing habits, UFC President Dana White stated:
“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.”
Canadian MMA Fans Rejoice as UFC PPVs Are No More, Now on Paramount+ in Great Fight North
Mixed martial arts fans in Canada are celebrating as the era of UFC pay-per-view events for numbered cards comes to an end. Starting in 2027, these highly anticipated main cards will be accessible to subscribers of Paramount+ in “The Great Fight North” without any additional cost. This significant shift follows a prior media rights arrangement that involved Rogers SportsNet. While numbered event main cards move to Paramount+, Rogers SportsNet will continue to broadcast UFC Fight Night events.
The new structure means that Canadian fans will now have a more streamlined experience. Paramount+ will exclusively feature the main card portion of numbered UFC events, while Rogers SportsNet will air the preliminary fights in real-time. This update addresses a previous point of contention for Canadian MMA fans, who previously had to purchase numbered events as pay-per-views, unlike their international counterparts who could often access them for free.
The existing partnership with SportsNet, which commenced in 2024, was a multi-year agreement. It’s worth noting that the UFC media rights in Canada were previously held by TSN during the 2010s before returning to SportsNet.
Dana White Confirms UFC’s Broadcast Updates for Canadian Audiences
Addressing this substantial change in how Canadian fans can view UFC events, Dana White shared his perspective in a press release on Thursday:
“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.”
