The UFC’s first major broadcast on CBS delivered a massive audience. According to a graphic tweeted by the UFC’s official account, UFC 326 became the most-watched UFC telecast on linear television in the past 10 years. Since the beginning of this year, Paramount+ has been the home of the UFC, and on March 7, CBS aired a special simulcast of select fights for the first time.
With the move, CBS was able to add eyeballs to the UFC, significantly expanding the audience beyond the traditional MMA fanbase. The UFC said the CBS simulcast added 2.468 million additional viewers to the event. During the one-hour simulcast window of main card fights, the broadcast averaged 2.809 million viewers and peaked at 3.207 million viewers. The event also delivered strong growth compared to typical CBS programming in the same time slot.
Viewership increased 30% compared to CBS’s season-to-date average for Saturday nights from 8–10 p.m. ET. The broadcast also saw large gains in key demographics, including adults 18–34 and adults 18–49. Compared to UFC’s average linear television audience last year, the jump was even larger. The graphic noted viewership rose 273% compared to the promotion’s average linear TV audience in 2025, which was about 661,000 viewers.
The Octagon Lives on Paramount+
The strong ratings come as UFC has deepened its partnership with Paramount. Paramount previously struck a $7.7 billion rights deal for exclusive UFC media rights on its platforms, making Paramount+ the central hub for UFC content. Subscribers get access to the UFC’s development pipeline, major fights, and original programming, including the Ultimate Fighter, for no additional charge. Not only does Paramount+ have domestic rights, but the streamer airs UFC content internationally in Australia and across Latin America.
Broadcast still brings in the biggest crowds, but streaming keeps fans connected long after the live window ends. The debut on CBS proves that simulcasts give leagues both reach and staying power, letting audiences grow in multiple places at once.
The UFC on CBS debut comes with the backdrop of Paramount’s larger transformation. Paramount CEO David Ellison recently outlined a plan to deliver $6 billion in cost savings as the company restructures and focuses on its future growth strategy. Live sports and premium streaming content are expected to play a major role in its strategic future.
With the UFC now a major piece of the company’s portfolio, the promotion joins the NFL, college sports (including March Madness), and the PGA Tour as notable CBS Sports heavyweights. The simulcast on CBS is proof that when provided easy access, viewers will tune in for a big fight
