Hello nate and Zach, huge fan of all the work you do. I have heard through several of my sources that DWCS will be moving to a monthly model in 2026, going from 10 to 20 events, and fighters will be expected to win 2-3 times to get into the ufc. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this, what you’ve heard, and particularly the effect this could have on the regional scene with promotion like LFA and cage warriors. Thanks!
I haven't heard specific targets/numbers but what you are suggesting is very possible regarding the Contenders Series. The bottom line is that TKO is a very expensive landlord right now with the APEX and they want to start filling up the calendar with dates.
On the podcast, we suggested that there could be some financial pressure on promoters airing events on Fight Pass. Which, when you think about it, is crazy. More media money to corporate but less to the farm league promoters? Penny wise, pound foolish if it plays out that way.
What I do envision, given Mick Maynard's affinity for LFA, is a restructuring of the satellite promotions. The Spain event coming up is a big tell in my mind about UFC having satellites grab some initial marketing data on events.
Even if UFC still plays nice with satellites, there is going to be a concerted effort to really make the APEX a centerpiece in media rights negotiations.
Thank you for the response, and I completely agree with all your points.
Fight pass contracts are so restrictive, and it prevents any promotion from growing organically outside of “UFC” fans. I also worry that so many of the better fighters for these regional promotions will simply jump to DWCS, further drying out the regional scene. Just a sad direction of the sport.
Hello nate and Zach, huge fan of all the work you do. I have heard through several of my sources that DWCS will be moving to a monthly model in 2026, going from 10 to 20 events, and fighters will be expected to win 2-3 times to get into the ufc. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this, what you’ve heard, and particularly the effect this could have on the regional scene with promotion like LFA and cage warriors. Thanks!
I haven't heard specific targets/numbers but what you are suggesting is very possible regarding the Contenders Series. The bottom line is that TKO is a very expensive landlord right now with the APEX and they want to start filling up the calendar with dates.
On the podcast, we suggested that there could be some financial pressure on promoters airing events on Fight Pass. Which, when you think about it, is crazy. More media money to corporate but less to the farm league promoters? Penny wise, pound foolish if it plays out that way.
What I do envision, given Mick Maynard's affinity for LFA, is a restructuring of the satellite promotions. The Spain event coming up is a big tell in my mind about UFC having satellites grab some initial marketing data on events.
Even if UFC still plays nice with satellites, there is going to be a concerted effort to really make the APEX a centerpiece in media rights negotiations.
Thank you for the response, and I completely agree with all your points.
Fight pass contracts are so restrictive, and it prevents any promotion from growing organically outside of “UFC” fans. I also worry that so many of the better fighters for these regional promotions will simply jump to DWCS, further drying out the regional scene. Just a sad direction of the sport.