UFC fights are not on Paramount Plus
Paramount Plus does not carry UFC events. The UFC has exclusive broadcast deals with ESPN, ESPN+, and ABC. If you want to watch UFC fights, you will need ESPN+ (a paid streaming service), a cable or satellite subscription to ESPN or ABC, or a pay-per-view purchase through traditional providers.
ESPN+ holds the rights to most UFC events, including Fight Night cards and preliminary fights. Major pay-per-view events like the UFC's numbered cards (UFC 295, UFC 296, and so on) air on ESPN+ for an additional fee on top of your subscription, or through cable and satellite providers. ABC broadcasts select UFC events at no extra cost if you have a cable subscription or a digital antenna.
Paramount Plus focuses on CBS content, movies, and original series. While it carries some sports through CBS broadcasts, UFC is not part of that lineup.
Key Takeaways
- ESPN+ is the primary streaming home for UFC events and requires a separate subscription beyond cable or other streaming services.
- Major UFC pay-per-view events cost extra even if you subscribe to ESPN+, typically between $80 and $90 per event.
- ABC broadcasts select UFC events for free if you have cable or a digital antenna, with no additional fee.
- Paramount Plus does not carry UFC content and is not a route to watch UFC fights.
How to watch UFC on ESPN Plus
ESPN+ is a standalone streaming service owned by Disney. You pay a monthly subscription (pricing varies by region and promotional offers), and that subscription gives you access to most UFC Fight Night events and preliminary card fights at no extra charge.
For numbered UFC pay-per-view events, you pay an additional fee on top of your ESPN+ subscription. This fee is separate from your monthly subscription cost. You can purchase the event through the ESPN+ app or website, and it becomes available to stream once the event begins.
ESPN+ also includes other sports content — college football, college basketball, MLB, NHL, and MLS — so the subscription may have value beyond UFC if you watch other sports.
UFC events on ABC and cable ESPN
ABC broadcasts certain UFC events, usually the larger cards. These air for free if you have cable or a digital antenna. You do not need ESPN+ or any additional subscription to watch these broadcasts.
Cable and satellite providers (Comcast, DirecTV, Dish Network, and others) also carry ESPN and ESPN2, which show some UFC events. If you have a cable or satellite subscription, you can watch these broadcasts through your provider's app or on television.
The UFC schedule changes, so which events air on ABC versus ESPN+ versus pay-per-view varies. Checking the UFC's official website or ESPN's schedule before an event tells you where that specific fight card will broadcast.
Pay-per-view costs and how they work
Major UFC events are sold as pay-per-view. The cost is typically $80 to $90 per event, though prices occasionally vary. If you subscribe to ESPN+, you usually get a discounted rate (around $75) compared to buying through cable or satellite providers.
You purchase the event through your chosen platform — ESPN+ app, cable provider, or satellite provider — and the broadcast becomes available once the event starts. The event remains available to rewatch for a set period after it airs, usually 30 days.
Some cable and satellite providers bundle UFC pay-per-view with other sports packages, which may reduce the per-event cost if you buy multiple events per year. Ask your provider whether such packages exist.
International viewing and VPN concerns
UFC broadcast rights vary by country. In some countries, different streaming services or cable providers carry UFC events. If you travel outside the United States, ESPN+ may not work, and you may need to use a local service instead.
Using a VPN (virtual private network) to access ESPN+ from outside the United States violates ESPN+'s terms of service. Doing so can result in your account being suspended or closed. If you travel frequently or live outside the US, check what services carry UFC in your location.
Comparing your options
| Service | Cost | What You Get | Pay-Per-View Extra? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESPN+ | Monthly subscription (varies) | UFC Fight Night, preliminaries, other sports | Yes, $75–$90 per numbered event |
| ABC (cable or antenna) | Free with cable or antenna | Select UFC events only | No |
| ESPN (cable) | Included with cable subscription | Some UFC Fight Night events | No |
| Cable/satellite pay-per-view | $80–$90 per event | Major UFC events only | N/A (entire purchase is pay-per-view) |
If you watch UFC regularly, ESPN+ is usually the most cost-effective option because Fight Night events are included and you only pay extra for major numbered cards. If you watch only occasional major events, buying pay-per-view through cable or ESPN+ as needed may be cheaper than a monthly subscription.
If you have cable and a digital antenna, you can catch some UFC events on ABC and ESPN at no extra cost, though you will miss Fight Night cards and some preliminary fights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch UFC on Paramount Plus?
No. Paramount Plus does not carry UFC events. UFC broadcasts are exclusive to ESPN, ESPN+, ABC, and cable providers. If you want to watch UFC, you will need one of those services instead.
Do I have to pay extra for UFC on ESPN Plus?
Most UFC Fight Night events are included with an ESPN+ subscription at no extra cost. Major numbered UFC events (like UFC 296) require an additional pay-per-view purchase of $75 to $90 on top of your monthly subscription.
What UFC events are free to watch?
UFC events that air on ABC are free if you have cable or a digital antenna. Some UFC Fight Night events air on ESPN, which is included with most cable subscriptions. All other events require either an ESPN+ subscription or a pay-per-view purchase.
Can I watch UFC on my phone with ESPN Plus?
Yes. The ESPN+ app works on smartphones, tablets, and computers. You can stream UFC events on any device where you have the app installed and are logged into your account.
How much does ESPN Plus cost?
ESPN+ pricing varies by region and changes periodically. Check the ESPN+ website for current pricing in your area. The service often offers promotional rates for new subscribers.