The UFC’s first event on Paramount+ proved successful, delivering strong viewership and reinforcing the promotion’s drawing power. UFC 324 marked the beginning of a new era. The UFC officially shifted from its traditional pay-per-view model to streaming.
Paramount made a bold move by acquiring the UFC’s broadcast rights for $7.7 billion over seven years. The deal significantly lowered the annual cost of numbered events for fans. In doing so, it made the UFC more accessible for current fans and even lapsed fans to enjoy.
An interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett headlined UFC 324. Gaethje won the bout by unanimous decision to claim the interim title. He will now face Ilia Topuria in a title unification bout.
UFC CEO Dana White said the event exceeded Paramount’s expectations.
“This exceeding expectations beyond belief for Paramount. So, we know it killed it,” White told reporters during the UFC 324 post-fight press conference . “They’re saying it exceeded it by like double.”
He added:
“It’s unexplainable how enthusiastic and incredible these guys have been leading up to the first fight. So, we got a real good feeling that this is going to be a great relationship for the next seven years.”
How Many Viewers Watched UFC 324 on Paramount+?
Dana White’s claims proved accurate, as UFC 324 surpassed Paramount’s expectations. In a news release , the company announced that the event generated nearly five million streaming views and reached more than seven million households.
Those figures reflect viewership across the United States and Latin America. According to Adobe Analytics and Nielsen Media, UFC 324 reached more homes than any other UFC event in nearly a decade. That result is significant, as it shows the organization’s continued demand.
Paramount also reported strong viewership and social media engagement throughout the night. Adobe Analytics data reported that the main card debut on Paramount+ generated 4.96 streaming views. They also showed that concurrent streams peaked at 5.93 million.
On social media, #UFC324 trended No. 1 worldwide for six consecutive hours, signaling strong real-time audience engagement. The event generated 186, 000 mentions, which marked a 127% increase from UFC 323 the previous month.
Fans shared reactions throughout the night. Their activity brought more attention to Paramount+.
Paramount hopes those numbers from UFC 324 are a sign of things to come for its streaming service. The debut event could was heavily promoted, which represents the company’s commitment to the MMA leader.
When is the Next UFC Event Airing on Paramount+
Fans will not have to wait very long for the next event on Paramount+, as UFC 325 airs Saturday, Jan. 31. The event features a featherweight title rematch between Diego Lopes and champion Alexander Volkanovski .
Volkanovski puts his featherweight title on the line after reclaiming it with a unanimous decision victory over Lopes last year. UFC 325 takes place at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, where Volkanovski will have a home-country crowd rooting for him.
UFC 325 also showcases several notable names from the region, including Dan Hooker and Tai Tuivasa.
As with UFC 324, the main card of all numbered events now begin at a new start time of 9 pm ET / 6 pm PT.
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