The Bill Simmons Podcast The UFC Cashes In, Plus a Truly Riveting 1990s Cowboys Documentary With Ariel Helwani, Cousin Sal, and Bryan Curtis
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Aug 12, 2025 
Ariel Helwani, a renowned MMA journalist, joins Cousin Sal, a comedic fixture, and Bryan Curtis, media expert, to dive into the UFC's groundbreaking $1.1 billion streaming deal with Paramount. They discuss its implications for fans and fighters, highlighting potential shifts in how the sport is consumed. Later, nostalgia takes center stage as the trio reminisces about the legendary 1990s Dallas Cowboys and the new documentary exploring their era, reflecting on pivotal moments, team dynamics, and the cultural impact that still resonates today.
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Paramount Chooses Ownership Over Split Rights
- Paramount paid a massive premium to own UFC entirely, signaling a strategic bet on owning a sports franchise rather than splitting rights.
- This deal likely ends the traditional pay-per-view era and reshapes how fans access marquee events.
Accessibility Beats Pay-Per Economics
- Moving UFC main events onto Paramount+/CBS will make the sport drastically cheaper and more accessible for fans.
- That accessibility could massively grow live viewership but obscures how many fans were previously pirating big pay-per-view cards.
Fighter Pay Faces Major Uncertainty
- Fighters currently receive pay-per-view points and bonuses that meaningfully boost their pay.
- With pay-per diminishing, fighter compensation structures and incentives face major unknowns.