Joe Rogan, a veteran UFC commentator, called the promotion’s $7.7 billion agreement with Paramount a big win for fans. Starting in 2026, numbered UFC events will shift from pay-per-view to CBS and Paramount Plus, included in a subscription. Rogan sees this as a smart way to make fights more affordable.
The UFC’s seven-year contract with Paramount, takes over from the ESPN deal. Starting in 2026, all numbered events and Fight Nights will stream on Paramount Plus or air on CBS, covered by a subscription. The UFC secures $1.1 billion yearly to expand its fanbase.Rogan emphasized that dropping the $70-$80 pay-per-view price helps fans, especially for Apex facility events, which he enjoys most.
PPVs are over.
UFC announces new deal with Paramount.
7.7 billion dollars for 7 years.
All numbered events will be on CBS. For free.
Wow! pic.twitter.com/mIUmzqfu4Y
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) August 11, 2025
Rogan’s View
Speaking on his podcast, Rogan expressed enthusiasm.
“Today, they just announced the UFC just signed some crazy deal with Paramount Plus. There’s going to be no more pay-per-views. All the events are going to be available for everybody for free. Every pay-per-view, every fight card that they have from the Apex, which are my favorite. Everything is going to be available for free. It’s an amazing deal…it’s a super-smart move for Paramount. What a great move to not just have the UFC for seven years, but have it for free.”
He added, “I don’t think Paramount costs, but how much does it cost a month? It’s like eight or 10 bucks, I think. So if it’s 10, let’s say it’s 10 bucks. That’s crazy. That’s $120 a year. You could watch every UFC pay-per-view. Two UFC pay-per-views like 140 bucks, right? So you get all of them. Everything’s free. That’s incredible. This sport is going to go fu*king hypernova.”
Joe Rogan joined the UFC as a commentator in 1997, becoming a fixture by 2001. He works major U.S. events but passes on international shows. Rogan also runs The Joe Rogan Experience, a top podcast, and has pushed for better fighter safety rules. He recently praised UFC stars like Ilia Topuria and Alex Pereira on June 17 2025. His platform amplifies his support for the Paramount agreement.
The UFC has evolved its broadcast approach before. In 2005, The Ultimate Fighter on Spike TV brought new fans to the sport. The 2019 ESPN contract, valued at $1.5 billion, launched ESPN Plus streaming. The Paramount agreement builds on this by prioritizing subscriptions over pay-per-view. Fighters like Georges St-Pierre and Brendan Schaub raised concerns about losing pay-per-view revenue, which could hurt their contract negotiations. Rogan’s focus remains on fan access.
