UFC boss Dana White has built a robust relationship with ESPN but, following Netflix’s success over the weekend, he must now consider his broadcast options.
YouTube star Jake Paul put on a pedestrian performance to outpoint Mike Tyson last Friday, with the pair headlining Netflix’s first ever live boxing event.
Soon after, the streaming juggernaut revealed their staggering viewing figures, claiming that the controversial showdown was watched live in over 60 million households.
Not only that, but an estimated 108 million people tuned in for the main-event, establishing Netflix as a real player in the world of combat sports.
- Read More [Jake Paul pokes fun at UFC after Netflix reveals astronomical viewing figures for Mike Tyson showdown]
Dana White hails ESPN but recognizes potential impact of Netflix
The undercard of Paul vs. Tyson was, in truth, far more captivating than the main-event, with Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano putting on a compelling 10-round spectacle.
Moreover, their undisputed super lightweight clash is likely to be the most-watched professional women’s sporting event in US history, according to Netflix.
And so, it is perhaps unsurprising that Netflix has now branched out to other sports, brokering deals to stream live NFL games and WWE events.
Dana White, meanwhile, will look to renegotiate his UFC broadcast deal in 2025, hoping to extend his stable relationship with ESPN.
However, like the NFL and WWE, there is genuine potential for the UFC to spread itself across several different broadcast partners.
And now, with Netflix emerging as the new kid on the block, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that streaming will dominate combat sports in years to come.
“I always thought that Netflix was crazy not to get into live sports sooner than they did,” White told Sports Business Journal. “Those guys truly have a global footprint. It was a big success.”
“As we go into our negotiations in 2025, this thing could play out in a lot of different ways. Obviously we could be with Disney and ESPN for however many years, or you could see all our content get chopped up like WWE and NFL.
“I don’t know how that’s going to play out as we get closer to getting into these negotiations, but it is a possibility.”
Will streaming platforms take over combat sports?
Fans of combat sports have complained about the cost of pay-per-view events for years, with the price of which seemingly showing no signs of decreasing.
But now, it could be said that streaming platforms represent the future, with DAZN having swiftly become one of the biggest broadcasters in boxing.
Queensberry Promotions boss Frank Warren, after all, will be joining his former rival, Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn, on the platform next year.
But still, after complaints were made regarding the buffering on Netflix’s stream for Paul vs. Tyson, it appears that streaming needs some refinement.
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