Mixed martial arts enthusiasts in Canada can now access UFC’s premier numbered events more conveniently, as these cards are transitioning to the Paramount+ streaming platform. This change follows a previous media rights agreement with Rogers SportsNet. While the main cards of numbered UFC events will be featured on Paramount+, Rogers SportsNet will continue to broadcast UFC Fight Night events.
Specifically, Paramount+ will stream the main card portion of numbered events, with Rogers SportsNet showing the preliminary bouts in real-time. This adjustment is a welcome development for Canadian MMA fans who previously faced a disadvantage compared to international viewers. Previously, fans outside of Canada could access numbered events for free, while Canadian fans were required to purchase them as pay-per-views.
The partnership with SportsNet dates back to 2024, a multi-year deal that saw the broadcaster resume its role after a period in the 2010s where TSN held the Canadian UFC media rights.
Dana White on UFC Broadcast Updates in Canada
Addressing this significant shift in how Canadian fans consume UFC content, UFC President Dana White stated in a press release:
โBeginning in 2027, Paramount+ subscribers in Canada will get every UFC Numbered Event main card live, at no additional cost. Paramount has been an incredible partner that understands the power of UFC, and together weโre going to make it easier than ever for fans in Canada to watch the biggest fights in the sport. I love Canada and Iโm very excited for the fans to be able to enjoy the Paramount experience.โ
UFC Numbered Event Main Cards Now Live on Paramount+ for Canadian Fans
Canadian mixed martial arts fans have reason to celebrate with the recent announcement that UFC’s numbered event main cards will now be available live on Paramount+ in the Great White North. This marks a significant change from the previous pay-per-view model that was in place for these high-profile cards.
The transition to Paramount+ occurred as part of a revised media rights arrangement, moving away from the exclusive pay-per-view model for numbered events. While Rogers SportsNet will continue to be the home for UFC Fight Night events in Canada, the coveted main cards of the numbered events will now be streamed on Paramount+.
To provide further clarity, Paramount+ will exclusively showcase the main card portion of these major UFC events. Meanwhile, Rogers SportsNet will still broadcast the preliminary bouts for these cards as they happen. This is a much-needed improvement for Canadian MMA supporters who had been in a somewhat inconvenient situation. Previously, fans in other regions could often watch these numbered events without an additional charge, while Canadian fans were compelled to purchase them as pay-per-views.
The existing partnership with SportsNet was established in 2024 under a multi-year agreement. This deal saw the return of UFC media rights to the broadcaster, who had previously held them in the 2010s before TSN took over for a period.
UFC Broadcast Updates for Canada Discussed by Dana White
In a press release issued on a Thursday, addressing this important shift in viewing habits for Canadian MMA fans, Dana White commented, as reported by Cageside Press:
โBeginning in 2027, Paramount+ subscribers in Canada will get every UFC Numbered Event main card live, at no additional cost. Paramount has been an incredible partner that understands the power of UFC, and together weโre going to make it easier than ever for fans in Canada to watch the biggest fights in the sport. I love Canada and Iโm very excited for the fans to be able to enjoy the Paramount experience.โ
