Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett generates record-breaking viewing figures after new $7.7 billion UFC deal

The UFC’s new streaming partnership has gotten off to a flying start.

MMA’s premier promotion landed a lucrative $7.7billion broadcast deal with Paramount and CBS in August, in a move that saw them ditch the traditional pay-per-view model to bring all of their events under one subscription in the United States.

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The first event under the Paramount+ banner took place on Saturday night as Justin Gaethje outworked Paddy Pimblett to claim the interim lightweight title via unanimous decision in Las Vegas.

UFC 324 delivered 4.96million average viewers and drew in 7.18m total households.

It also accounted for 5.93m concurrent streams at its peak.

That marks a record-breaking viewership for an exclusive live event, broadcast on the Paramount+ platform.

In addition, UFC 324 attracted more eyeballs than any other UFC live event in almost a decade across linear, broadcast and streaming.

White alluded to this fact at the post-fight press conference, telling assembled media: “We will have numbers on Tuesday or Wednesday, but this exceeded expectations beyond belief for Paramount.

“So we know it killed it, we just don’t know the exact number yet.

“They are saying it exceeded [their expectations] by double…

“It’s unexplainable how enthusiastic and incredible these guys have been leading up to the first fight.

“So we have a really good feeling that this is going to be a great relationship for the next seven years.”

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While millions tuned in from home, another 19,481 fans descended on the T-Mobile Arena, garnering a total gate of $10.95m.

The bill also produced excellent returns on social media.

UFC 324 was the number one trending topic on X, formerly Twitter, for six consecutive hours worldwide.

Meanwhile, it earned the distinction of being the most social event of the night, totalling 5.5m social interactions for the main event alone.

The UFC will look to build upon this momentum on Saturday night when UFC 325 lands in Sydney, Australia.

Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski defends his belt against Diego Lopes in an immediate rematch after their barnburning inaugural encounter in April.