Combate Global
The world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is changing fast. On February 5, 2026, Combate Global announced a groundbreaking partnership that reshapes how we watch sports. They have officially licensed their first three live events of the year to Shane Fazen and his massive YouTube channel, FIGHTTIPS.
A Historic First for Creator Distribution
This deal is unprecedented. Shane Fazen is now the first content creator in history to license live combat sports content directly. The FIGHTTIPS channel has already aggregated over 490 million lifetime views. Now, it transforms from an educational hub into a live sports broadcaster.
The action begins on Thursday, February 26, in Burbank, California. This season premiere features the return of Jawy “The Mexican Jake Paul” Mendez (1-1). Mendez, a Mexican television star turned fighter, headlines the card against an opponent to be named soon.
YouTube is the Present of Sports
Television is evolving, and Combate Global is ahead of the curve. The organization is shifting focus to digital-first viewers. Consequently, this partnership highlights a global trend where creators become self-owned media networks.
Combate Global CEO Campbell McLaren believes this is the right move.
“YouTube is not the future of TV viewership – It is the present,” said McLaren. “Through our agreement with Shane and FIGHTTIPS, we are at the edge of the tsunami of change in the media world.”
Why Shane Fazen and FIGHTTIPS?
Shane Fazen is a perfect fit for this new strategy. He is a Taekwondo black belt, a veteran competitor, and a trusted voice in the martial arts community. In 2025, he served as a color commentator for four Combate Global events.
“Combate Global fights produce some of the most exciting action in combat sports,” Fazen said. “As an educator and enthusiast in the space, I have fallen in love with the content.”
The numbers support this enthusiasm. Last year, the organization saw a 41 percent increase in subscribers. Furthermore, viewer watch time was 80 percent higher than the YouTube average.
How to Watch the 2026 Season
The new English live streams on FIGHTTIPS will complement existing options. Fans can still watch Spanish broadcasts on EstrellaTV and Samsung TV Plus.
Combate Global plans to produce 20 live events this year from their studio in Burbank. With this new distribution model, they are ensuring that “appointment television” now happens on YouTube.
