Last month, the UFC didn’t just sign a deal—they shook the sports world. Dana White, the ultimate closer, announced a staggering reported $7.7 billion agreement with Paramount+, locking in seven years of streaming dominance. The ripple effect? Fans are buzzing, fighters are calculating, and rival promotions are suddenly on notice. For viewers, it’s a win. For athletes banking on old-school PPV points, the first reaction was panic.
Dana White, never shy to put out fires, promised bigger bonuses and pay bumps once the new system launches in 2026. And here’s the twist: while everyone thought ESPN or Netflix would win the sweepstakes, Paramount swooped in and walked away with the crown jewel. That left competitors like BKFC—now partially co-owned by Conor McGregor’s—scrambling to adjust their own playbook.
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BKFC in preliminary talks with Paramount for streaming rights, says CEO
Under Conor McGregor’s leadership as co-owner, the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) is expanding faster than many expected, while simultaneously making inroads into the Middle East and European circuits. The promotion partnered with DAZN last September for three events, and although the relationship has been successful, $400 million worth BKFC is now exploring additional broadcasting opportunities.
In fact, in a recent interview with MMA Fighting, BKFC CEO David Feldman revealed, “We were actually in talks with [Paramount]. But, look, we’re definitely—look, they’re all reaching out to us right now. So we’re in talks with all of them, and we’re also in talks with DAZN to have a bigger and more robust deal with them.” Feldman emphasized that, for now, “nothing’s really off the table,” thereby signaling that the promotion’s future remains wide open.
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On the topic of pay-per-views, David Feldman noted that the shift in the UFC’s broadcasting model could affect the industry. Starting January 2026, UFC events will move to a subscription-based system, with Paramount+ priced at $8 per month, an ad-free version at $12.99 per month, or $119.99 annually—far lower than the traditional $79 PPV fee, which will help curb piracy.
Regarding BKFC’s own PPVs, priced at $30–$40, Feldman said, “I don’t think any promoter wants to do pay-per-views. I think, at some of the price tags of the events, they’re forced to do pay-per-views….But at the end of the day, as everybody’s going away from pay-per-view…they are going to subscription.” Consequently, the promotion is likely to explore more sustainable and accessible monetization strategies.
Conor McGregor’s upcoming fight confirmed by BKFC CEO
The Notorious hasn’t stepped into the octagon since breaking his leg in the first round against Dustin Poirier in July 2021. He had planned to return against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June 2024, but unfortunately, a broken toe forced him to withdraw, keeping the Irishman on the sidelines amid controversies and off-ring drama. Meanwhile, rumors suggested that the UFC might have removed him from the roster, yet Dana White later clarified that McGregor has returned to the testing pool and stands ready to compete, reportedly eyeing the UFC White House card in 2026.
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However, BKFC CEO David Feldman says Conor McGregor now plans to fight outside the UFC, potentially targeting former UFC fighters Jeremy Stephens or Mike Perry. Notably, both fighters will clash in a middleweight main event in Newark, New Jersey, on October 4. Speaking at a recent press conference, Feldman said: “We were supposed to have my partner, my friend Conor McGregor—he was going to be here today but couldn’t make it at the last minute. He’s actually very focused, it’s the best McGregor I’ve ever seen. He’s training hard and he’s focused because one of you two guys (Stephens and Perry) is probably his next fight.”
So here’s the million-dollar question: does Conor chase UFC glory one last time, or cash in on the wild, bloody theater of BKFC? Either way, the man’s next walkout will break the internet—and maybe Dana White’s heart.