Turki Alalshikh and Dana White react to Zuffa-Paramount partnership – fighter signing revealed

Paramount and Zuffa Boxing announced on September 29 that they will enter into a partnership with Paramount as the exclusive streaming company for the new promotional outfit in the United States, Canada, and Latin America. This new deal is set to begin in 2026, with 12 boxing cards on Paramount+ in 2026, with the option to grow. Turki Alalshikh and Dana White have both reacted to the confirmation of the partnership, expressing their excitement regarding the deal.

Paramount and Zuffa Boxing announce landmark streaming deal

Crawford vs Canelo – Zuffa’s first venture

Zuffa Boxing was formed by TKO and Sela, while being led by Dana White and Turki Alalshikh, with Sela managing director and CEO Dr. Rakan AlHarthy and WWE president Nick Khan as board members.

They made a big splash in the boxing world, promoting the superfight between Terence Crawford and Canelo at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. This first venture attracted 41 million on Netflix.

The plan for Zuffa is to promote prospects and contenders such as Callum Walsh, while giving them a huge platform to shine on.

Alalshikh and White react

In a statement, UFC president White said: 

“I’m excited to bring great boxing events to a global audience. “There are millions of boxing fans that will now be able to watch competitive fights with up-and-coming boxers as well as the biggest stars in the sport. Paramount will be the home for UFC and boxing fans to watch the greatest fights in combat sports.”

Reacting to the deal, Alalshikh said:

“This partnership with Paramount reinforces our vision to redefine the way viewers consume boxing. More fight fans will now have access to watch some of the most exciting boxers around. We have seen the proof that the appetite is there, this is the future for live boxing coverage and will ensure the sport continues to thrive.”

This move by Paramount is significant for several reasons. It marks their return to boxing after their subsidiary Showtime exited the sport in 2023. It also gives fighters the opportunity to appear on other linear Paramount platforms.

Zuffa Boxing eye combat sports takeover – new signing revealed

The news of their move into boxing comes just after they announced a seven-year, $7.7 billion deal to acquire all U.S. broadcast and streaming rights for UFC, which is run by Dana White and part of TKO Group Holdings. Terms of the deal with Zuffa were not revealed.

In Dan Rafael’s Fight Freaks Unite Substack, it was revealed that Zuffa Boxing has been signing fighters, with Rafael revealing that Zuffa Boxing have made a deal with Top Rank for Vito Mielnicki Jr (21-1, 12 KOs) to join them.