Historic! Netflix event breaks UFC viewership records.

Ronda Rousey (Photo) Takes the biggest hit of the MMA premiere on Netflix. Photo: Netflix/Publicity

PUBLICITY:

Success. That's the word that defines the first MMA event broadcast on Netflix. The streaming giant has fully entered the sport in partnership with MVP, a company of... Jake Paul, and he bet big: he promoted the return of Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano as main attractionin addition to featuring big names such as Francis Ngannou e Nate diaz No card. For the investment to make sense, a return in viewership was necessary, and it came.

According to data released by Netflix itself on social media, the event peaked at 17 million global viewers, with an average of 12,4 million during the main fights. In the United States, the main card averaged 9,3 million viewers and peaked at 11,6 million during the main event, making it the most-watched MMA event in the country's history.

17 million global viewers tuned in to watch Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano on Netflix, averaging 12.4 million viewers across the triple main event! #RouseyCarano pic.twitter.com/p4TMQ3cPBn

- Netflix (@netflix) May 19, 2026

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For comparison, the previous record belonged to the UFC's debut on American broadcast television, with the duel between Cain Velazquez e Junior GypsyHeld on November 12, 2011, the event peaked at 8,8 million viewers in the United States, with an average of approximately 5,7 million.

UFC loses streaming record as well.

Dana in an interview. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube

Although the UFC era at Paramount is still in its early stages, the partnership had already established a significant presence in the digital environment. UFC 324, which marked the beginning of the agreement, averaged around 5 million viewers, becoming the most-watched MMA event via streaming at the time. However, this number was easily surpassed by Netflix's broadcast.

UFC White House could put the Ultimate back on top in viewership.

Predictions for the UFC Freedom 250 in Washington. Photo: Reproduction / UFC

Even after losing its top spot, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) already has a date set to try and regain the lead. Announced as the biggest event in MMA history, the... UFC White House It is scheduled for June 14th and brings together elements to boost viewership numbers once again. The card will be shown on US broadcast television via CBS and will feature stars such as Ilia Topuria e Alex Poatán as the main attractions.