LAS VEGAS – UFC President Dana White believes the future of MMA is very bright after today’s news about UFC pay-per-views making an exclusive move to ESPN+ starting next month.
After teasing something big this past week, it was announced today that U.S. pay-per-view customers will only be able to find events on ESPN+. In addition, the organization inked two additional years with its broadcast partner ESPN, keeping the relationship together until 2025.
“This was the right move at the right time,” White told MMAjunkie. “ESPN has been an incredible partner in just a short amount of time. Everything works together.”
Like any significant change, White knows the move is going to come with some skepticism about whether it was a correct decision. He’s absolutely confident this benefits everyone involved, though, and thinks UFC fans are better off than ever with a “one stop shop” to find all content.
“We’re both aligned with our goals and what we want to do, so it’s going to be so much better for the fans,” White said. “Obviously in the beginning change is weird, everybody hates change, but once we get dialed in, it’s going to be amazing.”
For any critics of the change, though, White brushed them off. He said he’s had naysayers since the moment he became involved with the UFC nearly two decades ago, but feels he’s always been able to prove them wrong.
“When will you stop doubting me?” White said. “It’s been (expletive) 20 years now. When will you stop doubting me?”
To hear more from White on the topic, watch the video above.
For more on the upcoming UFC schedule, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.
