Highlights
- Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson on Netflix could revolutionize combat sports streaming.
- Netflix's involvement in live sports could set the stage for a UFC partnership.
- Moving UFC to Netflix would give UFC a global streaming audience and keep up with other popular sports.
When it comes to Jake Paul, many MMA fans don't like him or his brand. They see his Most Valuable Promotions as a joke, due to how he boxed retired MMA athletes such as Tyron Woodley and Ben Askren. That said, Paul is one of the main pillars of the YouTube boxing era, and the influencer space, in general.
10 Most Ridiculous Moments Of Mike Tyson's Career
Mike Tyson is one of the most eccentric boxers in history and has had some ridiculous moments during his career.In the wake of a loss to Tommy Fury and a victory over Nate Diaz, he is now fighting professional boxers. However, the scorn has returned with Paul and Mike Tyson slated for a fight at a Netflix event in Texas. While there is merit in chiding the actual scrap, there is a big positive -- if you are the UFC -- to the streaming service getting into live sports.
Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson Is a Netflix Game-Changer
Paul vs. Tyson Can Open The MMA Floodgates
Jake Paul | Mike Tyson | |
Date of Birth | Jan. 17, 1997 | Jun. 30, 1966 |
Place of Birth | USA | USA |
Year of Boxing Debut | 2020 | 1985 |
Professional Record | 9-1 | 50-6 (2 NC) |
Most Notable Wins | Nate Diaz, Anderson Silva, Nate Robinson | Buster Mathis Jr., Frank Bruno, Larry Holmes |
It's safe to say, this gimmick fight on July 20 is going to have many eyes on it. Fans and haters will be tuning in to see who gets knocked out. The age disparity aside (as Paul is 27 and Tyson is 57), there is something to be said about the spectacle, especially for combat sports fans.
It isn't confirmed if the boxing match is part of the normal Netflix subscription, but it speaks volumes about what sports entertainment will be down the line. Netflix had The Netflix Cup in 2023, crossing over Formula 1 drivers and professional golfers, as well as The Netflix Slam (a one-off tennis match between Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz). Clearly, the streamer thinks there is a gap in the market and these events can draw viewers in.
For MMA and boxing fans, the Paul and Tyson fight is more than just Netflix's third foray into the live sports arena. This is a testing ground to assess if, with or without an added fee, there will be buzz for combat sports on Netflix. With the UFC's rights deal with ESPN up in 2025, the timing of this litmus test couldn't be better for UFC CEO, Dana White, as he looks to negotiate a new home.
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Ariel Helwani has the latest details on Jake Paul's bizarre fight with Mike Tyson.Netflix's Live Combat Sports Move Bodes Well For the UFC
The UFC's ESPN Deal Is Expiring Very Soon
- Dana White said in Jan. 2024 that negotiations for a new UFC deal would begin in the next "three to four" months.
- Netflix acquired the rights for WWE Raw for a reported $5 billion.
The UFC inked a lucrative seven-year deal with ESPN in 2018 that was reportedly worth more than $1.5 billion. It eventually included pay-per-view broadcasts. It garnered the UFC a bigger share of the pie thanks to the Apex. Once COVID-19 hit, the UFC threw shows at the Apex with no crowds, which cut down the production budget and increased profit margins. ESPN didn't mind as it helped the ESPN+ platform go past 26 million users. Once the UFC hit their quota, they would get paid in this model.
As long as Netflix sees success in the combat sports market, though, it's easy to envision them offering more money to poach the business away from ESPN. Market analysts have hinted the UFC's next deal could be worth double the last one, leaving fans curious if ESPN's parent company, Disney, will take that financial plunge. Disney's profits have oscillated since the pandemic, with the Marvel movies and theme parks not raking in the billions like they used to.
In addition, with UFC owned by Endeavor and then bundled into one entity with WWE called TKO Group Holdings, Netflix already has an in. The streamer will be the home for WWE RAW from 2025, bringing the business over from the USA Network. White himself has acknowledged this and said that they will be listening to offers from everyone, including streamers, in the first half of 2024.
As such, this Paul vs. Tyson bout can provide the metrics, a gauge and a great estimation of what Netflix can do with MMA. Sure, boxing isn't MMA, but there has been great overlap recently. All Netflix needs is an indicator that people want combat sports on the platform. And with cash to burn, profits being made despite subscription prices going up, it's hard to see Netflix not being high-ranking in the bids.
Fans Fear Mike Tyson Will Get Knocked Out By Jake Paul As Training Footage Emerges
Mike Tyson shares his first workout video ahead of Jake Paul boxing match.Netflix and UFC Would Be a Great Match
Netflix Loves Daring, Popular Brands Like the UFC
The Netflix brand is very strong with over 260 million global subscribers. That is exponentially more than ESPN+. As such, the UFC would have a bigger audience with a move to Netflix. It's a win-win as Netflix would get flagship content -- which has been dubbed one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. Notably, Prime Video has deals with ONE Championship and boxing magnates, Premier Boxing Champions (PBC).
Apple TV has also gotten in on MLS and the NFL, reiterating that streamers want popular sports content. In the UFC's case, it is very popular, with White often found reporting record gates and sellouts at venues. With the demand there, UFC and Netflix would fit like a glove, earning each other major mileage.
UFC can keep its Fight Pass app and social media channels for certain events and other promotions the company partners with. While Netflix can be used for premium content, such as docuseries like Embedded. Netflix, coincidentally, has a tennis documentary in production with Alcaraz, so there is a synergy as the streamer looks to keep storytelling and cross-promoting with its live events. With personalities such as Sean Strickland, bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley, Israel Adesanya and Colby Covington, UFC has personalities who match the current zeitgeist and Gen-Z content creation era.
The streamer even did a one-hour documentary about Francis Ngannou's fight with Tyson Fury, celebrities and all. Therefore, with Netflix's global reach, this is a chance to amplify athletes and reach homes all over the world -- something Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Season is struggling to do with its combat sports events.
Seeing as the UFC, like WWE, is all about storytelling, behind-the-scenes content, and unfiltered personalities, Netflix would feel more organic as a partner than any of the others. The UFC loves its unfiltered slant, which syncs up with a Netflix that isn't into censoring content or its creatives, as seen with the pushback against Dave Chappelle recently. Simply put, Netflix is where the UFC can be itself the most, as there would still be some corporate line to toe (as blurry as it is) with ESPN as a broadcast partner.
Ultimately, Paul vs. Tyson is a sideshow fight, but it can act as that metaphorical cutting of that tangential ribbon to show Netflix is ready for combat sports. There is a dash of irony if Paul is the one to open the floodgates and precipitate a UFC deal, as he and White have often butted heads over fighter pay and other drama. Not to mention, Paul is a PFL athlete. Either way, while eyes will be on the fight, business aficionados will be monitoring to see how this affair potentially opens the door for a deal with a red-hot UFC.
