Let me be clear from the jump: I’m not here to promote piracy. But at this point, it almost feels like Dana White is daring us — no, begging us — to steal UFC pay-per-views. And honestly? With the current state of things, it’s getting harder and harder not to feel justified.

We’re talking $80 per event, month after month, for fight cards that feel more like glorified Fight Nights than premium-level spectacles. Add in underwhelming matchups, last-minute pullouts, and thin undercards — and suddenly, those illegal streams start looking a whole lot like civil disobedience.

Watered-Down Cards, Premium Price Tag

Remember when a UFC PPV meant something? Stacked cards. Big stakes. Guaranteed violence. Now? We’re lucky if the co-main event isn’t a late replacement from a regional promotion, and the main event doesn’t end in a cautious five-round decision.

Some cards have more filler than substance. Top-tier talent is often buried, while fighters with name value (but questionable recent records) are headlining based on marketability instead of merit. If fans are expected to pay nearly $1,000 per year for these events, shouldn’t the product match the price?

The “Pirate This, I Dare You” Attitude

To be fair, Dana White has been vocal — almost gleefully confrontational — about cracking down on illegal streamers. “We got one,” he famously said ahead of UFC 257, targeting a streamer. The message was clear: don’t even try it.

But ironically, this tough talk only fueled more fans to try it. And here’s the kicker: people don’t pirate out of rebellion. They pirate because they feel ripped off. If you’re asking fans to pay premium prices for a half-baked product, can you really blame them for finding… alternatives?

Fans Aren’t the Problem — The Model Is

This isn’t about fans being “cheap.” Most fans want to support fighters. They love the sport. But when you gatekeep quality behind expensive paywalls, lock major fights behind ESPN+, and then charge again for PPVs with one good fight (maybe), you create resentment — not loyalty.

Meanwhile, fighter pay remains a hot-button issue, with many athletes earning a fraction of what similar-level athletes make in other sports. So where’s all that PPV money really going?

The Solution Isn’t Cracking Down — It’s Fixing the Product

If the UFC wants to stop piracy, they don’t need more lawyers — they need better cards, fairer pricing, and more transparency. Give fans value. Give them matchups they care about. Give them a reason to say, “Yeah, I’ll pay for this.”

Until then? Well, let’s just say… a blurry, slightly laggy stream doesn’t seem so bad when the main card opens with two debuting light heavyweights we’ve never heard of.

Final Thought

Dana White doesn’t need to beg anyone to stop pirating. He needs to give them a reason not to. Right now? A lot of fans feel like they’re paying steakhouse prices for microwave meals. And if you’re going to treat your audience like that, don’t be surprised when they walk in through the back door.