UFC Secures Record $7.7 Billion Media Deal
UFC has struck a groundbreaking seven-year, $7.7 billion media rights agreement with Skydance’s Paramount, starting 2026. Fans in the U.S. will now access 13 numbered UFC events and 30 Fight Nights annually via Paramount+, with select bouts broadcast on CBS. This marks a significant move away from traditional pay-per-view models. The Wall Street JournalThe Times of India
UFC 319 Build-Up: A Career-Defining Bout
The upcoming UFC 319 in Chicago (August 16) will feature Dricus du Plessis defending his Middleweight title against unbeaten Khamzat Chimaev—a matchup fraught with high stakes. MMA analysts see this as a pivotal moment for Chimaev and an opportunity for du Plessis to potentially ascend to the top of pound-for-pound rankings and even become UFC’s first triple-division champion if he opts to move up in the future. MMA FightingWikipediaTalksport
Additionally, at a press event, Chimaev expressed gratitude to Donald Trump for helping him return to the U.S., though he remains skeptical about receiving an invite to a potential White House UFC event in 2026. The Times of India
WOW 21 Shines with Stunning Submission
At Way of the Warrior (WOW) 21 in Marbella, Spain, UFC alum Brett Johns made a triumphant return with an impressive submission victory via a rare Suloev stretch, halting his former two-fight skid. Johns now has sights set on the WOW FC Featherweight title. MMAmania.com
“Missed Fists” Delivers Bizarre Highlights
A snapshot from global MMA events: A fight concluded in just 9 seconds at Evo Championship 112 following one takedown and a shoulder injury; elsewhere, knockouts with spinning backfists, jumping kicks, and slick submissions lit up multiple promotions. MMA Fighting
Conor McGregor Split Opinions on Return
Recent training footage of former double-champion Conor McGregor sparked concern among fans, with many urging him to remain retired after looking slower and less coordinated. Despite passing a UFC drug test and expressing interest in returning—even possibly in an event at the White House—Dana White continues to leave his comeback status undecided. The Scottish SunDiario AS
Summary Table
| Topic | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Broadcast Deal | Paramount+ and CBS to stream UFC events starting 2026 |
| UFC 319 Build-Up | Du Plessis vs. Chimaev could reshape middleweight legacy |
| Regional Spotlight | Brett Johns’ spectacular submission at WOW 21 |
| Unusual Moments | A 9-second stoppage and flashy finishes featured in “Missed Fists” |
| McGregor Comeback? | Mixed reactions after recent footage; UFC remains noncommittal |
Let me know if you’d like previews of upcoming fight cards, fighter stats, or backstage updates!
