UFC fights moved to Paramount Plus in September 2023

The UFC began showing fights on Paramount Plus in September 2023, when the streaming service took over as the exclusive home for UFC events in the United States. This shift ended the long partnership between UFC and ESPN, which had broadcast fights since 2018. Paramount Plus now holds the rights to UFC pay-per-view events, regular fight nights, and preliminary bouts.

The transition was not when ready across all content. Some UFC events continued on ESPN+ through the end of 2023 as contracts wound down, but by early 2024, Paramount Plus became the primary streaming home. If you want to watch UFC fights live, you now need a Paramount Plus subscription rather than an ESPN+ subscription.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount Plus became the exclusive UFC streaming home in September 2023, replacing ESPN+ as the main platform for fights in the United States.
  • You need a Paramount Plus subscription to watch UFC pay-per-view events, regular fight cards, and preliminary bouts.
  • Some UFC events may still air on traditional cable channels like CBS or Fox, but streaming rights belong to Paramount Plus.
  • The shift affected how much UFC content costs and where you can watch it, so your viewing setup may need to change.

What content moved to Paramount Plus

Paramount Plus now streams UFC pay-per-view main events, which are the headline fights that typically cost extra. The service also carries regular UFC Fight Night events, which do not require an additional fee beyond the Paramount Plus subscription. Preliminary bouts and early prelims that used to air on ESPN+ now stream on Paramount Plus as well.

Some UFC events still appear on traditional television through CBS or Fox, but the streaming rights belong to Paramount Plus. This means if you want to watch on your phone, tablet, or computer, Paramount Plus is where you go. The cable broadcast and the stream usually happen at the same time, so you can choose whichever fits your setup.

How the subscription cost works

Paramount Plus offers two subscription tiers: a standard plan with ads and an ad-free plan. Both tiers include access to UFC events. The exact price varies depending on whether you pay monthly or annually, and Paramount Plus occasionally runs promotional rates for new subscribers.

Pay-per-view events cost extra on top of your Paramount Plus subscription. When a major UFC event airs, you pay the additional fee through Paramount Plus to unlock the full broadcast. This is different from some other sports, where pay-per-view is sometimes bundled into the base subscription price.

Why UFC switched from ESPN Plus

Paramount Global, which owns Paramount Plus, signed a long-term deal with UFC to become the exclusive streaming home. The deal gave Paramount Plus rights to all UFC content in the United States, including events that had aired on ESPN+. This was a major business move for both companies — Paramount Plus gained a large sports audience, and UFC secured a new revenue stream.

ESPN+ still carries some international UFC content outside the United States, but domestic viewers in America must use Paramount Plus. The shift reflected broader changes in how sports leagues distribute content, with streaming services competing for exclusive rights to major events.

How to watch UFC on Paramount Plus

read the Paramount Plus app on your phone, tablet, smart TV, or computer, or visit the website directly. Sign in with your Paramount Plus account. On the day of a UFC event, navigate to the sports section or search for UFC to find the live broadcast.

If the event is a pay-per-view, you will see a prompt to purchase it before the stream begins. Once you buy access, the broadcast unlocks for the duration of the event. Regular UFC Fight Night events that come with your subscription will stream without an additional purchase.

What changed for cable viewers

If you watch UFC on cable through CBS or Fox, your viewing experience did not change much. Those broadcasts still air on television at the same time as the Paramount Plus stream. However, if you previously relied on ESPN+ to watch fights, you now need Paramount Plus instead.

Some cable packages include Paramount Plus as part of a bundle, so check with your provider to see if you already have access. If not, you will need to subscribe separately to stream UFC events on your devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still need ESPN Plus to watch UFC?

No. Paramount Plus is now the exclusive streaming home for UFC in the United States. ESPN+ no longer carries UFC events domestically, though it may still show some international content depending on your location.

Can I watch UFC fights on cable without Paramount Plus?

Yes. Some UFC events air on CBS or Fox, and you can watch those on cable if you have those channels. However, not every event broadcasts on cable — many are exclusive to Paramount Plus streaming.

Do I have to pay extra for pay-per-view on Paramount Plus?

Yes. Regular UFC Fight Night events come with your Paramount Plus subscription, but major pay-per-view events cost additional money on top of your subscription fee. The price is set by UFC and charged through Paramount Plus.

When did this change happen?

UFC events began moving to Paramount Plus in September 2023. The transition was gradual, with some events still on ESPN+ through the end of 2023, but Paramount Plus became the primary home by early 2024.

Can I watch UFC on Paramount Plus outside the United States?

Paramount Plus availability varies by country. In some regions, UFC content may be on different platforms. Check what streaming services carry UFC in your location, as rights differ outside the United States.