The UFC is quickly approaching the launch of its new era, backed by the colossal $7.7 billion broadcast partnership with Paramount. This deal initially sparked widespread excitement among the fanbase.
The primary source of this fervor stemmed from the news that fans in the United States would no longer be required to pay pay-per-view (PPV) fees for the numbered events. While the elimination of the $79.99 PPV cost is undoubtedly a huge benefit for US supporters, the initial fight cards announced have given the author serious cause for concern.
The initial UFC cards raise serious concerns
UFC President Dana White recently unveiled the first numbered event of 2026, UFC 324. Before confirming the main event, White disclosed that the promotion’s biggest current star, Ilia Topuria, would be temporarily sidelined due to personal matters.
The headline announcement was an interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje (3-2 in his last five bouts) and Paddy Pimblett (who has only secured a single win over a currently ranked top-15 opponent). If this were a regular non-title fight, the matchup might be well-received. However, granting it major title implications makes utterly zero athletic sense.
This decision is yet another clear example of the promotion prioritizing popularity over meritocracy—a trend that undermines the core principles of combat sports.
To be fair, outside of that controversial main event, the rest of the UFC 324 card appears strong.
However, the second numbered event of the year, scheduled less than a month later, continues this disturbing trend of star power trumping athletic achievement.
Alexander Volkanovski is slated to face Diego Lopes in a rematch, even though Lopes has only registered one subsequent win since their previous encounter. Contenders like Arman Tsarukyan and Lerone Murphy must be watching this booking, questioning what monumental efforts are required to earn a genuine title opportunity.
It has become increasingly clear over the last few years that the UFC has grown comfortable operating without meaningful competition. This lack of pressure means they can assemble almost any card they wish, confident that the loyal fanbase will inevitably watch.
Is the historic UFC White House event distracting fans?
Despite the mediocre schedule set to kick off 2026, fan concern seems mitigated by the anticipation surrounding the historic event planned for June: a card hosted on the lawn of the White House. Fans expect this event to be fully stacked with elite matchups, but the author remains highly skeptical.
At this point, the headlining fight is unclear, with several of the biggest stars already ruled out. But as we have learned from years of watching the promotion, fans will likely be satisfied with whatever subpar product the UFC ultimately presents.
