With PPVs Gone, Will UFC Matchmaking Become More Merit-Based?

[Dreyga Hates You Sherbums]

So with the UFC’s new deal with Paramount+ ending the traditional pay-per-view model, I can’t help but wonder—does this completely change how matchmaking works?

Before, the UFC had to put the biggest draws in title fights to move PPV buys. That’s why we often saw champs defending against less deserving but more marketable challengers, or superfights that skipped over the rightful number-one contender.

Now, with a guaranteed revenue stream from Paramount+ instead of relying on PPV sales, that incentive is gone. In theory, they could focus entirely on putting the most deserving fighters into title fights instead of whoever moves the most buys.

Arguments for more merit-based matchmaking:

• No need to force “money fights” when the main income doesn’t depend on PPV numbers.
• Champs could face whoever is ranked #1 without worrying if they sell well.
• More room for stylistically risky fights since there’s no “PPV flop” fear.
• Contenders who win consistently but aren’t media stars finally get their shots.

Of course, this is still the UFC—they’ll always care about hype and star power to some degree. But without PPV sales being the main driver, could we finally see pure meritocracy in matchmaking?

What do you Sherbums think? Are we about to enter a new era where rankings and resumes actually matter for title shots?

 

[linvillegorge]

All that's been announced are the top line numbers. Trust and believe there's still incentives in that contract to drive viewership.

 

[Captain Tenneal]

I doubt it will change drastically. They're still inclined to setup what they think will draw viewership and it's not always going to be what people agree with

However, this might actually help heavyweight which has been a wreck for years

 

[rollthedice]

Who knows, it's not out of the question in my opinion. The new deal marks a new chapter in the UFC and I think it's exciting they're moving into a future where they don't depend on PPV sales. Viewership will have expectations I imagine and bonuses if exceeded etc

 

[Kung Fu Kowboy]

I hope their first event is Top vs Paddy

 

[DecisionSplit]

It will get even worse as they will stack cards for advertisers then water down the rest. I expect even more abysmal matchmaking in the future. This new Paramount deal makes it easier for fans (in the U.S.) to watch but doesn't fix the terrible matches we've been getting.

 

[Dr. Rose]

Ha, people think that that MMA, or MMA in particular, has ever really cared about rankings. UFC routinely early on had stars fight chumps for wins, even under Zuffa. WTF was Chuck fighting Vernon White and Jeremy Horn in 2004-2005 as the no. 1 contender and title holder. Most of the time PRIDE champions fought, they fought "money" fights against Japanese hometown stars. That was the beauty of the PFL and Bellator tourneys.

 

[KO Shotz]

I think it will be more focused on rankings instead of trying to pull views. PPV's were all about the numbers. The new deal is gonna be based on putting fights together & if you tune in great if not they still get their money.

 

[laleggenda27]

The current ESPN deal already offers a guaranteed revenue stream and, to a certain extent, negated the "incentive" to generate ppv buys. What that led to is a lessened need to build quality ppv cards. I expect this to continue that trend and possibly make it worse.

Some of will depend on whether the deal allows Paramount to flex its muscle and force the UFC to put out a quality product. Because if it's left entirely up to the UFC, cards will get even more watered down.

 

[Doctor Grudge]

No...it's still prize fighting. There are combat sports including other MMA orgs that do not use PPVs and the booking is the same.

There is no "merit based" fighting in prize fighting. They will put on fights that draw the most. PPV is not the highest indicator of drawing ability in mainstream sports.

 

[ultra321]

I hope their first event is Top vs Paddy

So much for merit...