Get ready for a game-changer in the world of combat sports! TVNZ has just landed a groundbreaking deal to bring UFC fights to New Zealand audiences like never before. But here's where it gets exciting: this three-year partnership with the UFC will offer Kiwi fans a unique blend of free-to-air and pay-to-view events, making the sport more accessible than ever. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about the fights; it’s about expanding the reach of one of the fastest-growing sports globally.
Under this agreement, UFC Numbered Event preliminaries and UFC Fight Nights will be streamed live and free on TVNZ+, with most broadcasts also airing on TVNZ Duke. Mark your calendars: the action kicks off on January 25 with the UFC 324: Gaethje vs Pimblett preliminary card, followed by the UFC 325: Volkanovski vs Lopes 2 prelims on February 1. Later in the year, fans can purchase TVNZ+ Event Passes for the main UFC Numbered Events, ensuring they don’t miss a single knockout.
TVNZ’s general manager commercial, Josh Wolfe, highlighted the significance of this partnership, stating, “We’re thrilled to bring one of the world’s most dynamic sports to New Zealand audiences. This is a fantastic opportunity to grow its reach in Aotearoa and deliver an unparalleled experience for UFC fans.” But here’s where it gets controversial: will this move dilute the exclusivity of UFC events, or will it democratize access to the sport?
UFC senior vice president Peter Kloczko echoed the excitement, calling it “fantastic news” and expressing enthusiasm about partnering with TVNZ. “2026 is shaping up to be a massive year for us, with huge fights featuring Australian and New Zealand athletes. We can’t wait for more Kiwis to experience the thrill of UFC,” he added.
To understand the local impact, 1News visited Auckland’s City Kickboxing, home to stars like Israel Adesanya, Kai Kara France, and Dan Hooker. Fighters there believe the deal will significantly boost the sport’s visibility. Adesanya pointed out that free-to-air viewing will open doors to a broader audience, as some fights are currently locked behind pay-per-view on Sky Sport. “UFC is already a fast-growing sport globally, and making it free-to-air will make it more accessible to everyone,” he said.
Hooker celebrated the move as “real exciting” for fans who previously faced high costs to watch events. “Being a UFC fan isn’t cheap, but now people aren’t restricted. I was the first New Zealand fighter in the UFC almost 11 years ago, and seeing the growth—every pub, every bar, every restaurant has the fights on—it’s incredible,” he added.
But here’s a thought-provoking question: As UFC gains mainstream popularity, will it lose the underground, gritty appeal that initially drew many fans to the sport?
TVNZ is also taking steps to protect viewers, acknowledging the highly physical nature of UFC. Melodie Robinson, the broadcaster’s head of sport, assured that audiences will be well-informed before tuning in. “We’re mindful of our viewers’ wellbeing. Every event on TVNZ+ and Duke will be clearly signposted and appropriately rated,” she explained.
This marks TVNZ’s second pay-per-view initiative, following its plan to offer a one-off event pass for blanket access to all 104 matches of the upcoming FIFA World Cup in the US, Mexico, and Canada. For the World Cup, 22 fixtures—including All Whites matches, the opening game, and key knockout stages—will be streamed live and free on TVNZ+.
So, what do you think? Is TVNZ’s UFC deal a knockout move, or does it raise concerns about the sport’s future? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
