The UFC’s latest media rights deal has sent shockwaves through the fight world, not just because of the exorbitant price tag, but also because of how it will change how fans see the sport, considering that the PPV model has been kicked out of the promotion now.
While officials have carefully defended the move, Chael Sonnen, who never holds back, has provided the most passionate response. When compared to some of the UFC’s most iconic milestones, Sonnen claimed that this change sticks out the most, and for reasons that are more personal than any sold-out venue.
Chael Sonnen hails Dana White’s leadership after the landmark deal
Chael Sonnen didn’t hold back in his praise for UFC CEO Dana White following the announcement of the $7.7 billion media rights deal with Paramount+. To ‘The American Gangster,’ this is more than just business news; it’s “the greatest gift” fans have ever received. He highlighted the removal of the pay-per-view (PPV) price tag as a major win for fans, making the UFC significantly more accessible and affordable.
Sonnen said on his YouTube channel, “What an incredible gift that you got given. Shapiro had to defend it. I couldn’t believe this.” He noted that throughout MMA history, critics have always claimed they could run the UFC better than Dana White, and that the head honcho has continuously allowed such opinions to fly without reacting personally.
“He’s a man of the people,” Chael Sonnen added. “He’ll let you share your opinion and go, ‘Well, you know, I think this might be different.’” Well, ‘The American Gangster’ surely drove home the scale of White’s achievements with the striking comparison of the UFC’s worth with the $8 billion worth New York Yankees, as the UFC has now surpassed them with a valuation of over $11 billion.
Image credits: Imago
For him, this is more than just a financial milestone; it shows that no other franchise comes close to catching the UFC. So, it was no surprise that he praised the UFC CEO for delivering a deal that strengthens the company, serves the audience, and thrives despite ongoing external criticism. In fact, it tops the UFC’s biggest milestones, according to him.
The new deal tops UFC’s biggest achievements to date
Chael Sonnen placed the Paramount+ deal higher than some of the UFC’s most memorable moments, including Fight Island, the inaugural Madison Square Garden show, and even the idea of a White House event. His justification was simple: while those milestones were memorable, most fans saw them from home, and this agreement immediately improves that home-viewing experience.
“Guys, this is a celebration,” Sonnen announced. “This is the single greatest news that you have been given as fight fans ever. We celebrate Madison Square Garden. We celebrate the potential of going to the White House. We celebrate Fight Island. We celebrate the O2 Arena. You’re not at Fight Island. You’re not going out to the White House. You haven’t been to O2 Arena. You watch it from home. And now it’s free.”
He laid it down in numbers, estimating $500 in savings every year, $5,000 over a decade, or even $10,000 for individuals who plan to continue watching the sport for decades. He also addressed the long-standing issue of hosting fight nights, in which one person bears the cost of the PPV and food while buddies “promise to chip in” later. According to the UFC legend, this changes everything.
For him, the end of the PPV era in the United States, with every numbered event and Fight Night included in the Paramount+ subscription and select cards broadcasting free on CBS starting in 2026, is more than just an economic move. It is a watershed moment that makes the sport more accessible, affordable, and fan-friendly than ever before.
The post Chael Sonnen All Praise for Dana White as UFC Exceeds New York Yankees’ $8 Billion Valuation With $7.7B Deal appeared first on EssentiallySports.
