UFC fights are already on Paramount Plus, but the full shift is still in progress

The UFC has been moving fights to Paramount Plus since 2023, but the transition is not complete. Right now, some UFC events air on ESPN, some on Paramount Plus, and some split between both platforms depending on the card and your location. There is no single date when all UFC content moves to one place — instead, the league is gradually shifting its broadcast home as existing contracts with ESPN expire and new deals with Paramount Plus take effect.

The biggest change happened in September 2023, when Paramount Plus became the exclusive home for UFC Fight Pass subscribers and for certain main card fights. However, ESPN still carries many events, particularly the numbered pay-per-view cards that have traditionally aired there. The full migration to Paramount Plus as the primary UFC home is expected to happen over the next few years as old agreements end.

Key Takeaways

  • UFC events are split between ESPN and Paramount Plus right now, with no single cutover date announced for a complete move.
  • Paramount Plus holds exclusive rights to UFC Fight Pass content and carries some main card fights, but ESPN still broadcasts major pay-per-view events.
  • The shift is happening gradually as the UFC's contract with ESPN expires and Paramount Plus agreements expand.
  • Your viewing location and subscription type determine which platform shows a given fight on any given week.

How the UFC split between Paramount Plus and ESPN works right now

Paramount Plus carries UFC Fight Pass events, which are typically the preliminary fights and some main card bouts that do not carry a pay-per-view fee. These fights air live on the platform for subscribers. Paramount Plus also holds exclusive rights to certain numbered events and special cards, meaning they appear only on Paramount Plus and not on ESPN.

ESPN and ESPN+ still carry the major numbered pay-per-view events — the fights that cost extra to watch. These include the biggest cards with the most recognizable fighters. If you have an ESPN+ subscription, you can watch these events there; if you do not, you can order them through traditional pay-per-view on cable or satellite. The split means you may need both services to see all the fights you want to watch in a given month.

The exact platform for any given event depends on the card number, the fighters involved, and sometimes your region. Before each event, the UFC and both networks announce which platform will carry it. There is no pattern you can rely on week to week — you have to check the schedule for each fight.

Why the UFC is moving to Paramount Plus

Paramount Plus is part of Paramount Global, which owns CBS and other major media properties. In 2021, Paramount made a long-term investment in UFC broadcasting rights, betting that live sports would drive subscriptions to its streaming service. The UFC saw an opportunity to move away from relying solely on ESPN and to build a direct relationship with a streaming platform that could reach international audiences more easily.

For Paramount Plus, UFC fights are a major draw. Combat sports fans are loyal viewers who watch regularly, and they are willing to pay for subscriptions to see live events. By securing UFC rights, Paramount Plus positioned itself as a destination for sports fans alongside its entertainment and news content.

The move also reflects a broader shift in how sports are distributed. Traditional cable networks like ESPN are losing subscribers, while streaming services are growing. The UFC, like other sports leagues, is following its audience to where people actually watch.

What the timeline looks like for the full transition

The UFC has not announced a specific date when all events will move to Paramount Plus. Instead, the shift is tied to when existing contracts expire. ESPN's current deal with the UFC runs through 2025 in some cases and beyond in others, depending on the type of event. As those agreements end, Paramount Plus will take over more events.

Industry reporting suggests that by 2025 or 2026, Paramount Plus could be the primary home for most UFC content, with ESPN carrying fewer events or none at all. However, this is not official, and the UFC could negotiate new deals with ESPN or other networks at any time. The league has not committed to a single exclusive home.

Until then, expect the current split to continue. Check the UFC's official schedule before each event to see which platform will carry it.

How to watch UFC fights on Paramount Plus

To watch UFC Fight Pass events on Paramount Plus, you need an active Paramount Plus subscription. The service offers two tiers: Paramount Plus with ads and Paramount Plus Premium without ads. Both include access to UFC Fight Pass content. The fights stream live at the scheduled time and remain available on demand afterward.

If you do not have Paramount Plus, you can sign up directly through the app or website. A subscription costs between $5.99 and $11.99 per month depending on the plan. Some events that air on Paramount Plus may also be available for purchase as standalone pay-per-view if you do not want a full subscription.

For pay-per-view events that air on Paramount Plus, you may need to pay an additional fee on top of your subscription. The UFC will specify the cost and how to order when the event is announced.

What happens to ESPN and ESPN+ UFC events

ESPN+ will continue to carry UFC events for as long as the current contract allows. If you have an ESPN+ subscription, you can watch the fights that air on that platform. Some events are included with your subscription, while others require an additional pay-per-view purchase on top of the subscription fee.

ESPN+ costs $10.99 per month or $109.99 per year. The service also includes other sports, original shows, and on-demand content beyond UFC. If you want to watch both ESPN and Paramount Plus UFC events, you would need both subscriptions.

As the UFC's deal with ESPN winds down, fewer events will air exclusively on ESPN+. The exact timeline depends on which contract expires first and whether the UFC and ESPN negotiate a renewal.

How to find out which platform shows your next UFC fight

The UFC publishes its full schedule on UFC.com. Before each event, the site lists which network or streaming service will carry it. You can also check Paramount Plus and ESPN+ directly — both services display upcoming UFC events in their sports sections.

If you follow the UFC on social media or subscribe to its email newsletter, the league announces major events and broadcast details there as well. MMA news sites like MMA Junkie and Sherdog also publish broadcast information for every card.

The safest approach is to check the official UFC website about a week before the event you want to watch. That gives you time to sign up for the right service if you do not already have it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will all UFC fights eventually be on Paramount Plus only?

The UFC has not announced that Paramount Plus will be the exclusive home for all events. It is likely that Paramount Plus will carry most events in the coming years, but ESPN or other networks could retain some rights. The league tends to spread events across multiple platforms to maximize revenue.

Do I need both Paramount Plus and ESPN+ to watch all UFC fights?

Right now, yes — some events air only on Paramount Plus, others only on ESPN+, and some split between them. As the transition continues, this may change, but for now, having both subscriptions ensures you can watch any fight you want.

Can I watch UFC fights on cable or satellite if I do not want to stream?

Yes. Pay-per-view events are still available through traditional cable and satellite providers. You can order them the same way you would order any other pay-per-view event. Preliminary fights and Fight Pass events may not be available this way, but the main card fights usually are.

What if I miss a UFC fight live on Paramount Plus?

Fights remain available on demand after they air live. You can watch them anytime during your subscription period. Paramount Plus typically keeps events available indefinitely, though the UFC could remove older content at any time.

Is there a way to watch UFC for free?

Some preliminary fights air free on UFC.com and on social media platforms, but main card events require either a subscription or a pay-per-view purchase. There is no legal way to watch major UFC events without paying.