In a bold move that has many in New Zealand buzzing with excitement, TVNZ has just secured a landmark three-year agreement with the UFC, allowing local fans to enjoy a blend of both free and pay-per-view fight events.
This new partnership means that audiences will be able to watch UFC Numbered Event preliminaries and UFC Fight Nights live and at no cost on TVNZ+, with several of these broadcasts also available on TVNZ Duke. The inaugural event of this collaboration is set for January 25, featuring the preliminary card of UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett, followed closely by the prelims of UFC 325: Volkanovski vs. Lopes 2 on February 1. Notably, later in the year, viewers will have the opportunity to purchase Event Passes through TVNZ+ for UFC Numbered Events, adding more options for dedicated fans.
Josh Wolfe, the general manager of commercial operations at TVNZ, expressed enthusiasm about promoting one of the fastest-growing sports globally to a New Zealand audience. "We’re thrilled to enhance its presence in Aotearoa and provide an exceptional experience for UFC enthusiasts," he noted.
Peter Kloczko, the senior vice president of the UFC, echoed this excitement, calling the arrangement "fantastic news" and expressing eagerness for fans in New Zealand to engage with the sport. He highlighted that 2026 is poised to start strong for the UFC, with a packed calendar of exciting matchups that showcase Australian and New Zealand talents.
To understand the deal's significance, 1News visited Auckland's City Kickboxing gym, where notable fighters like Israel Adesanya, Kai Kara-France, and Dan Hooker train. These athletes believe that the new deal will significantly elevate the sport's visibility in the region. Adesanya remarked that making the fights accessible on free-to-air television would broaden the audience base, suggesting that while some fights are currently behind paywalls on Sky Sport, this shift will make the sport much more reachable for everyday fans.
"It’s already experiencing rapid growth here and worldwide. With it being available for free, it will attract more viewers from the general public," he explained. Hooker added that this development is particularly thrilling for fans who have previously faced steep costs to catch the action. "UFC can be expensive for fans. Now, people have fewer barriers to access. I was the first fighter from New Zealand to join the UFC nearly 11 years ago, and witnessing its expansion—every pub, bar, and restaurant now showcasing the fights—is incredible."
Recognizing the physically intense nature of UFC competitions, TVNZ has promised to prioritize viewer safety. Melodie Robinson, head of sport at TVNZ, assured the audience that the network would provide clear information before each event. "We care about our viewers' well-being, and we will appropriately rate and signal every event on TVNZ+ and Duke," she stated.
This initiative marks the second pay-per-view offering from TVNZ, following their announcement to provide a one-time event pass granting access to all 104 matches of the upcoming FIFA World Cup across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, with 22 matches—including those featuring the All Whites—streamed live and free on TVNZ+.
And as this exciting opportunity unfolds, one must wonder: What does this mean for the future of combat sports in New Zealand? Are we ready to embrace the UFC on a larger scale? Join the conversation and share your thoughts!
