The UFC has ended its broadcast deal with Band in Brazil and its YouTube channel GOAT, leaving Brazilian fans to watch events through the UFC Fight Pass, while negotiations continue with potential partners like Globo and Netflix.
The UFC has decided to end its broadcast deal with Band in Brazil, as MMA Fighting reports. The partnership began in January 2023 and was set for three years. However, they’ve parted ways with a year still left on the contract.
Interestingly, the UFC also aired some preliminary fights on the Brazilian YouTube channel GOAT. But guess what? That deal’s over too, according to MMA Fighting.
The 2025 calendar kicks off this Saturday. Amanda Ribas and Mackenzie Dern, both Brazilian strawweights, are headlining at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas. Brazilian fans? They’ll need UFC Fight Pass to catch the action.
Now, about the U.S., the UFC’s seven-year deal with ESPN wraps up in 2025. They’re eyeing a big payday with their next partner. Brazil is crucial here—it’s home to stars like Alex Pereira and Charles Oliveira.
Speaking of Brazil, Globo, a massive network, has chatted with the UFC about reviving their long-standing partnership. It ended in 2023 after two decades. Will they make a comeback? It’s still up in the air.
Netflix could be a wild card too! With millions of subscribers in Brazil, it might just step into the ring as a contender for broadcasting rights.
Looking ahead, the UFC plans to return to Brazil for a Fight Night event in Brasilia on May 31. Last time they were there was for UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro. Will they have a new broadcast partner by then? Time will tell.
Brazilian fans enjoy one of the cheapest Fight Pass deals globally. For just $2 a month, they get access to every UFC show and more from the streaming library.
When launching Fight Pass, UFC CEO Dana White said it would “take our business to the next level” by directly reaching fans. Band was supposed to boost exposure and grow the sport even bigger! But things change, right?