UFC PPV Numbers Plummet, The Impact on Fighters and the Future of MMA

The world of MMA is facing a significant challenge as reports emerge that UFC pay-per-view buys have drastically declined. This downturn has profound implications for fighters who rely on PPV points as part of their compensation. According to a recent tweet by Luke Thomas, citing a NY Post reporter, the low PPV numbers are leaving many fighters with minimal or no additional income from these clauses. This situation highlights broader issues within the UFC, including its current media deal with ESPN and the evolving landscape of combat sports.

NY Post reporter says he’s hearing UFC PPV buys are way down to the point where fighters who have clauses for PPV points to get more money aren’t getting much (if any) of it triggered because the buys are so low. https://t.co/0XTUmDlyek

— Luke Thomas🏋️‍♀️ (@lthomasnews) March 15, 2025

The Current State of UFC PPV Sales

The UFC’s PPV model has been a cornerstone of its financial success, particularly during the heyday of fighters like Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey. However, since the ESPN deal began, there has been a noticeable decline in PPV buys. Erich Richter of *The NY Post* suggests that ESPN’s decision to limit UFC programming on cable TV, instead focusing on the ESPN+ platform, has contributed to this decline. This shift has not only affected viewership but also impacted fighter earnings, as many rely on PPV points for significant portions of their income.

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UFC can begin negotiating with Netflix, Amazon starting April 15.

That and much more on @nypostsports 👇https://t.co/oiH1ARVb8z

— Erich Richter (@erichterrr) March 10, 2025

Historically, fighters like McGregor have benefited greatly from PPV points, earning millions from high-profile fights. For instance, McGregor’s fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229 generated a record 2.4 million PPV buys, with McGregor reportedly earning around $50 million from the event. However, with current PPV numbers significantly lower, fighters are facing reduced earnings. This situation is exacerbated by the UFC’s current strategy of hosting numerous events, which can lead to overexposure and decreased interest in individual fights.

The decline in PPV buys also reflects broader challenges in the sports media landscape. The rise of streaming services and changes in consumer viewing habits have altered how fans engage with sports content. The UFC’s reliance on a double paywall—requiring both an ESPN+ subscription and additional PPV fees—has deterred some viewers, particularly those who previously accessed events through VPNs.

The Future of UFC Media Rights and Fighter Compensation

As the UFC approaches the end of its current media deal with ESPN, there is speculation about its future broadcasting partners. The organization is reportedly seeking a significant increase in its media rights deal, potentially exceeding $1 billion annually[1]. Potential suitors include Netflix, which could offer a new platform for UFC events, though Netflix has expressed reluctance to adopt the traditional PPV model.

The shift towards streaming could fundamentally change how fighters are compensated. If the UFC moves away from the PPV model, fighters might need to adapt to new revenue structures, potentially based on subscription numbers or ad revenue. This transition could benefit fighters if they receive a share of the increased revenue generated by streaming services, but it also poses risks if the new model does not provide comparable earnings.

The decline in UFC PPV buys highlights the challenges facing the organization and its fighters. As the media landscape evolves, the UFC must navigate these changes to maintain its position as a leading combat sports promoter. The future of fighter compensation will depend on the success of these negotiations and the ability of the UFC to adapt to emerging trends in sports broadcasting.