As MMA fans eagerly look ahead to 2025, anticipation builds for major shifts across the UFC’s divisions. However, an unexpected change could be on the horizon. The UFC’s five-year, $1.5 billion partnership with ESPN is nearing its end, leaving a key question: Will Dana White and the UFC remain loyal to ESPN, or will they explore more lucrative opportunities with platforms like Amazon or Netflix? Known for his savvy business decisions, the UFC boss now faces the biggest decision of his career.

While Dana White has expressed his intention to stick with ESPN despite some “head-butting,” he’s also shown interest in exploring other offers. Recent reports from Bloomberg indicate that the prospect of Netflix securing the UFC’s broadcasting rights is gaining momentum. Combat sports analyst Jed L. Goodman tweeted, “Bloomberg asked media experts, ‘UFC’s TV rights come up next year. Who will take them?’ The top answer was “Netflix”, with “Amazon and Disney/ESPN” in second place.” Other potential suitors include Warner Bros. Discovery, Comcast, Paramount, and Apple TV+.

Furthermore, this speculation arises as Netflix continues to make significant moves into sports broadcasting, having secured rights for the NFL and boxing. Moreover, WWE’s weekly episodic extravaganza Monday Night RAW is coming to Netflix starting January 2025. As the UFC’s sister promotion under the TKO banner, this shift could prove vital to the UFC’s future.

Additionally, Netflix has also added a partnership with FIFA to their portfolio, along with streaming rights for the 2027 and 2030 Women’s World Cup in the U.S. This deal has been described by FIFA as “landmark” and “top-tier.” It’s clear that Netflix is positioning itself to become a major player in sports media.

However, the big question now is whether the UFC head honcho will embrace a new partnership with Netflix or stay loyal to ESPN. While White has always placed loyalty to the promotion above all else, the shifting dynamics of the media landscape, particularly with Jeff Bezos’ recent appearance at a UFC event, could steer the promotion in a different direction.

Will Dana White partner up with Amazon Prime? 

Earlier this summer, Amazon Prime Video, already the home of Asia’s martial arts promotion ONE Championship, captured the sports media spotlight with a groundbreaking deal to co-broadcast the NBA’s regular season alongside Disney-owned ESPN and NBC. Kicking off in the 2025-2026 season, this colossal 11-year media rights agreement, valued at $76 billion, has ignited speculation about Amazon’s next move. With its foothold in ONE Championship, could Amazon position itself as the exclusive broadcaster for the UFC, the world’s most prominent mixed martial arts organization?

Jeff Bezos’ recent appearance at UFC 306 has only intensified this speculation, sparking further questions about a potential Amazon-UFC partnership. Bezos and his fiancée, Lauren Sanchez, enjoyed the event, sitting in the front row to watch the headlining bout between Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili. His presence at the event has prompted many to wonder about Amazon’s interest in UFC broadcasting rights.

Dana White has long expressed his desire to elevate the UFC to a higher level, drawing comparisons to the NFL and other major sports, which makes Amazon a strong contender in this conversation. “To be honest with you, a lot of those potential media people will be at the Sphere this weekend,” White remarked, with Bezos’ attendance only adding fuel to the fire.

What do you think about the ongoing speculation surrounding the UFC’s next media broadcasting partner? Could Netflix or Jeff Bezos’ Amazon step in to claim the top spot, especially considering Amazon and UFC nearly struck a deal back in 2018 before ESPN took over? Or will ESPN successfully retain its contract with the UFC? Drop your predictions below.