UFC 324 recently made a significant impact as the inaugural event in the partnership between UFC and Paramount+, achieving remarkable viewership figures. The event captivated a live average minute audience of 4.96 million viewers, with a peak of 5.93 million concurrent streams. This impressive performance has positioned UFC 324 as the most-viewed exclusive live event on Paramount+ to date, drawing a global audience of 7.18 million households.
The highly anticipated UFC 324 card was highlighted by the championship bout between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje, competing for the interim UFC lightweight title. Gaethje ultimately secured a unanimous decision victory, setting the stage for a future showdown with the reigning UFC lightweight champion, Ilia Topuria, later in 2026.
In addition to the main event, the card featured several other compelling matchups. Sean O'Malley, known as 'Suga,' triumphed over 'Kung Fu Kid' Song Yadong in a unanimous decision. Similarly, Natalia Silva emerged victorious against Rose Namajunas, also by unanimous decision, showcasing the high level of competition throughout the event.
The partnership between UFC and Paramount+ was established last summer through an exclusive agreement valued at $7.7 billion. This collaboration grants fans in the U.S. and Latin America access to all major UFC events without the need for additional pay-per-view purchases. Paramount+ is set to broadcast all UFC numbered events, 30 UFC Fight Nights annually, Dana White’s Contender Series, and the reality series 'The Ultimate Fighter,' alongside other exclusive content. The upcoming event, UFC 325: Volkanovski vs. Lopes II, is scheduled to take place in Sydney, Australia, on January 31st, promising another exciting chapter in this new broadcasting era.
The successful debut of UFC 324 on Paramount+ underscores the immense popularity of mixed martial arts and the strategic value of this new broadcasting alliance. The significant viewership numbers suggest a promising future for the partnership, offering fans enhanced access to premium UFC content and expanding the reach of the sport to a broader audience across various platforms. The sustained engagement and continued delivery of high-quality events are expected to further solidify this collaboration's success.