UFC Eyes $1B+ Broadcast Deal as Negotiations Heat Up

There’s a lot more riding on UFC 316 than just the bantamweight title. While Merab Dvalishvili gears up to take on Sean O’Malley on June 7 at Newark’s Prudential Center, the UFC is also reportedly in the hunt for a massive $1 billion-per-year broadcast rights deal to begin once its current ESPN contract ends in 2025.

According to TKO Group president and chief commercial officer Mark Shapiro, it’s not just about the biggest paycheck. 

Speaking at a J.P. Morgan conference earlier this week, as reported by MMA Fighting, he emphasized that the UFC is exploring “what’s best for the brand” as it courts both traditional networks and major streaming platforms. 

While ESPN remains a promotional partner for now, giving UFC fighters crossover visibility on shows and SportsCenter, the door is wide open.

Betting Spotlight Shifts to UFC 317 & 319

Dvalishvili, who earned his first belt defense with a grueling unanimous decision win over Umar Nurmagomedov in the co-main event of UFC 311 in January, is a -380 favorite over O’Malley (+300), and Kayla Harrison (-575) faces Julianna Peña (+425). 

However, it’s UFC 317 and UFC 319 that are fueling serious buzz in the betting world.

Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira is now official for UFC 317 on June 28 in Las Vegas. Topuria had originally lobbied hard for a fight with Islam Makhachev, who vacated the lightweight belt to chase a second title at welterweight. 

Topuria didn’t hold back: “It was the fight everyone wanted to see. I was willing to do it. He is the biggest hypocrite I have ever seen.”

At DraftKings, Topuria sits as the -345 favorite over Oliveira (+275), while Khamzat Chimaev (-198) battles Dricus du Plessis (+164) for the middleweight strap at UFC 319 in August.

Star Power = Betting Power

Behind the scenes, sportsbooks are watching closely. According to BetVictor trader Mark Collier, fighters like Paddy Pimblett and Alex Pereira drive up handle by 30% or more compared to average events. 

“Could you imagine if the Scouser got his lightweight title fight in Liverpool?” Collier said. “Those numbers could rival Conor or Jon Jones PPVs.”

Topuria, too, commands attention. His last fight outperformed recent PPVs by over 10%, and a future bout with Pimblett in 2025 could take things “to another stratosphere,” Collier said.

With Makhachev’s methodical style appealing to a different kind of fan, the UFC’s business model, built on buzz, storylines, and fireworks, is clearly leaning toward fighters who bring more than just wins to the table.