The UFC’s historic trip to the White House delivered more than memorable moments inside the cage. It also generated record-breaking numbers for Paramount+.
New viewership data released by the streaming platform revealed that UFC Freedom 250 attracted 17 million total viewers across the United States and Latin America, making it one of the most-watched MMA events ever broadcast.
Paramount+ Records Biggest Exclusive Live Event
According to Paramount+, the White House card became the most successful exclusive live event in the platform’s history.
The event averaged 8.2 million viewers throughout the broadcast. The figures were measured by Nielsen in the United States and Adobe Analytics across Latin America.
The company also confirmed that additional international viewership data from markets outside the United States and Latin America will be released next week.
The reported total of 17 million viewers represents unique individuals who watched at least one minute of the event. Those numbers do not include delayed viewing or DVR audiences who watched within 24 hours after the broadcast.
This rivals MVP MMA’s first event with Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano, where Netflix also claimed 17 million viewers. It is worth noting how both streaming platforms have come up with the same numbers (which are hard to verify).
Historic Setting Helped Drive Interest
UFC Freedom 250 took place on the South Lawn of the White House as part of the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
The event quickly became one of the most talked-about cards of the year thanks to its unique location and action-packed lineup.
Fans witnessed a rare night in which all seven fights ended inside the distance. It marked the first time a UFC event featured seven bouts with every contest ending by finish.
Gaethje and Gane Headlined Memorable Night
The card was capped off by a stunning lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria.
Gaethje entered the bout as a significant underdog but turned in one of the best performances of his career. After four rounds of punishment, Topuria remained on his stool and was unable to continue, giving Gaethje the undisputed lightweight championship.
Earlier in the evening, Ciryl Gane captured the interim heavyweight title with a second-round stoppage victory over Alex Pereira.
The French contender used a disciplined performance to halt Pereira’s attempt to become the UFC’s first three-division champion and secured another shot at heavyweight gold.