UFC fights on Paramount Plus depend on your subscription tier and the event type

Paramount Plus carries UFC events, but not all of them, and the ones it shows depend on whether you have the ad-supported or ad-free plan. The main card of most UFC pay-per-view events streams on Paramount Plus if you subscribe to the ad-free tier (called Paramount Plus with Showtime). Preliminary fights and early prelims typically air on ESPN+ instead, which is a separate streaming service owned by the same parent company. If you have the basic ad-supported Paramount Plus plan, you will not see UFC pay-per-view events at all.

The schedule changes week to week because UFC events happen roughly every two weeks, and not every event gets the same broadcast treatment. Some events are "Fight Night" cards (lower-tier events) and some are numbered pay-per-view events (the bigger shows). Paramount Plus prioritizes the numbered events and major Fight Nights, but you should check the Paramount Plus schedule directly rather than relying on a general calendar, because the company sometimes adds or removes events based on licensing deals.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount Plus with Showtime (the ad-free plan) streams the main card of most UFC pay-per-view events, but the basic ad-supported plan does not include them.
  • Preliminary fights and early prelims air on ESPN+ instead, so you may need both services to watch an entire event from start to finish.
  • UFC events happen roughly every two weeks, so the next scheduled event changes constantly and is not the same from month to month.
  • The Paramount Plus app and website show upcoming UFC events in the Sports section, and you can check there to see which fights are coming and which plan you need.

How to find the UFC schedule on Paramount Plus

Open the Paramount Plus app or go to paramountplus.com and look for the Sports section. From there, scroll to find UFC or use the search bar to type "UFC". The upcoming events will show with dates and times in your local timezone. Each event listing tells you whether it is a pay-per-view main card, a Fight Night, or preliminary fights, so you can see at a glance what is coming.

Paramount Plus updates this schedule as new events are announced, usually a few weeks in advance. If you do not see an event you expected, it may not have been scheduled yet, or it may be airing on a different service. The company sometimes moves events between Paramount Plus and ESPN+ depending on the deal structure for that particular card.

What subscription plan you need for UFC

You must have Paramount Plus with Showtime to watch UFC pay-per-view main cards. This is the ad-free tier that costs more than the basic plan. The basic Paramount Plus plan (with or without ads) does not include UFC pay-per-view events, though it may include some non-pay-per-view UFC content like documentaries or highlight reels.

If you already subscribe to Paramount Plus but only have the basic plan, you can upgrade to Paramount Plus with Showtime through the app or website. Go to your account settings, find the plan options, and select the upgrade. The price difference varies depending on whether you choose the ad-supported or ad-free version of Showtime, and whether you are on a monthly or annual plan.

The difference between Paramount Plus and ESPN+ for UFC

Paramount Plus and ESPN+ are separate services that split UFC coverage. Paramount Plus carries the main card (the fights that matter most), while ESPN+ carries the preliminary fights that happen before the main card starts. If you want to watch the entire event from the first fight, you need both services.

Some viewers subscribe to only Paramount Plus and tune in when the main card starts, skipping the preliminaries. Others subscribe to both so they can watch every fight. There is no single service that has everything, so decide based on how much of the event you want to see. ESPN+ also has its own exclusive UFC Fight Night events that do not appear on Paramount Plus, so if you are a serious fan, both subscriptions cover different content.

When to check for the next UFC event

UFC events are scheduled roughly every two weeks, though the exact dates shift. The best way to stay informed is to check the Paramount Plus Sports section once a week, or to visit the official UFC website (ufc.com) which lists all upcoming events across all platforms. The UFC website shows which service carries each event, so you can plan your subscriptions accordingly.

You can also enable notifications in the Paramount Plus app if the feature is available in your region. This way, the app will alert you when a new UFC event is added to the schedule. Some users also follow UFC social media accounts or sign up for the UFC email newsletter to get announcements about upcoming fights.

Common reasons you might not see a UFC event on Paramount Plus

If you are looking for a UFC event and cannot find it on Paramount Plus, check whether you have the right subscription tier first. The basic plan does not include pay-per-view events, so upgrade to Paramount Plus with Showtime if you want to watch. If you have the right plan and still cannot find the event, it may be airing on ESPN+ instead, or it may not have been scheduled yet.

Another reason is that some UFC events are exclusive to traditional pay-per-view through cable or satellite providers, especially older events or special broadcasts. Paramount Plus focuses on newer events and upcoming fights. If you are searching for a specific fight and cannot find it anywhere on Paramount Plus, search for it on ESPN+ or check the UFC website to see which service has it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need ESPN+ if I have Paramount Plus with Showtime?

Not necessarily. Paramount Plus with Showtime has the main card, which is the main event and the fights leading up to it. ESPN+ has the preliminary fights that happen before the main card. If you only care about the main event, Paramount Plus alone is enough. If you want to watch every fight from the start, you need both.

Can I watch UFC on the basic Paramount Plus plan?

No. The basic Paramount Plus plan (both ad-supported and ad-free versions) does not include UFC pay-per-view events. You must upgrade to Paramount Plus with Showtime. Some non-pay-per-view UFC content like documentaries may be available on the basic plan, but live fights are not.

How far in advance does Paramount Plus announce UFC events?

The UFC typically announces events a few weeks in advance, and Paramount Plus updates its schedule once the event is official. You may see events announced on the UFC website before they appear on Paramount Plus, so checking both sources gives you the earliest notice. Major events are sometimes announced months ahead.

What time do UFC events start on Paramount Plus?

Main cards usually start in the evening, between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Eastern time, though the exact time varies by event. Preliminary fights start earlier, usually in the afternoon. The Paramount Plus app shows the start time for each event in your local timezone, so check the specific event listing to see when it begins.

Can I watch UFC events on demand after they air live?

Yes. Paramount Plus typically keeps UFC events available on demand after they air live, so you can watch them later if you miss the live broadcast. The event will remain in your library as long as you maintain your Paramount Plus with Showtime subscription. Check the app to see how long past events are available, as this can vary.