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UFC's new broadcast deal means Dana White ready to deliver year to remember in Octagon

UFC are set for a huge 2026 after a massive new deal was secured - but what does it mean for MMA fans in the UK and what mega fights are there to look forward to

[Dana White has promised there will be plenty of big fights in the UFC in 2026]

Dana White has promised there will be plenty of big fights in the UFC in 2026(Image: Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Eric Cartman making his Octagon debut may be a step too far but Dana White will be making sure everyone respects his authoritah as he looks to make the next 12 months the biggest in company history.

South Park and the UFC on the South Lawn of the White House would be a Paramount+ executives dream crossover show as CEO White begins a seven-year, 5.7bn contract for the broadcaster to be the companys exclusive home in the US, after a 2025 that was packed with stellar knockouts and submissions.

The deal even beats the 1.1bn the channel paid to land the satirical cartoon. But what does it all mean for MMA fans in the UK? And top stars like Paddy Pimblett and Conor McGregor?

[UFC CEO Dana White has plenty of reasons to smile after their new broadcast deal]

UFC CEO Dana White has plenty of reasons to smile after their new broadcast deal(Image: Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Not much, as it stands. With TNT Sports still retaining the broadcast rights here, the only notable difference is that the vast majority of shows will now start an hour earlier. i.e at 2am instead of 3am, or well past my bedtime!

So lets look at what has been promoted so far, likely superfights to come and a dream fight Id like to see by the end of 2026.

Announced fight

Paddy Pimbletts top-tier status in the UFC was reinforced when it was confirmed he will headline the first big show of the year at UFC 324 on January 24 in Las Vegas.

With champion Ilia Topuria stepping away for personal reasons, The Baddy will take on Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title a fight that is guaranteed to start things off with a bang.

[Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje go head-to-head ahead of their UFC 324 main event this month]

Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje go head-to-head ahead of their UFC 324 main event this month(Image: Zuffa LLC)

While plenty of other mouth-watering fights have been made, nothing beats Max Holloway putting his BMF title on the line in a rematch with Charles Oliveira at UFC 326 in March. I might even stay up for that one!

White House

With White tighter with Donald Trump than a submerged submarine door, the June 14 show in the presidents backyard is sure to be a star-spangled, star-powered extravaganza.

While no fights have officially been announced, superstar Conor McGregor, who last fought in 2021 but is another Don disciple, has hinted he will finally face Michael Chandler.

[Conor McGregor has been more businessman than fighter for the last few years]

Conor McGregor has been more businessman than fighter for the last few years(Image: Getty Images for Cantor Fitzgera)

The American backed up those rumours, saying: It does sound like I might be handing Conor McGregor a good old fashioned, passionate, red, white and blue butt whopping on the South Lawn of the White House this summer.

With Tom Aspinall set for further eye surgery, an interim heavyweight title fight could also be added, with Ciryl Gane versus light-heavyweight king Alex Pereira fitting for the once-in-a-lifetime card.

Dream fight

All being well, Salfords Aspinall will be back by the summer, but a lack of big-name challengers has plagued the glamour division for a long time.

However, one man on the horizon who could change all that is Gable Steveson, who has been championed by UFC GOAT Jon Jones.

[Former amateur wrestler Gable Steveson could be a major threat in the Octagon ]

Former amateur wrestler Gable Steveson could be a major threat in the Octagon (Image: NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

The standout former amateur wrestler has dipped his toe into the NFL and the WWE but appears to have found a home in MMA, going 2-0 as a pro.

With a move to the UFC seemingly inevitable, the American, 25, will be shot to the top and a title fight, hopefully against Aspinall, is not out of the question before the end of the year.

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