Most UFC pay-per-view events are not free on Paramount Plus, but some fights do air there at no extra cost
Paramount Plus includes some UFC content as part of your subscription, but the major pay-per-view cards—the ones headlined by top fighters—typically require a separate purchase even if you have Paramount Plus. The fights that come free with your subscription are usually earlier preliminary bouts, some Fight Night events, and occasional main card fights that Paramount Plus has licensed. The main UFC 300-level events almost always cost extra, even for Paramount Plus subscribers.
Whether a specific fight is free depends on which event it is, which card it appears on, and which region you are in. Paramount Plus and the UFC change their broadcast agreements, so what was free last year may not be this year. Your best move is to check the Paramount Plus app or website directly when a fight card is announced—it will show you which fights are included with your subscription and which ones require a pay-per-view purchase.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount Plus subscribers get some UFC fights at no extra cost, but major pay-per-view events almost always require a separate purchase.
- Preliminary fights and some Fight Night cards are more likely to be free than main event fights on numbered UFC cards.
- The only way to know whether a specific fight is free is to check the Paramount Plus app or website when the card is announced.
- If a fight requires pay-per-view, you can buy it through Paramount Plus, the UFC website, or other platforms depending on your location.
What fights come free with a Paramount Plus subscription
Paramount Plus includes UFC Fight Night events, which are the promotion's secondary cards held between the numbered main events. These usually air on ESPN or Paramount Plus and do not carry a pay-per-view cost. You also get access to some preliminary bouts from major events—the early fights that happen before the main card starts—though not all of them.
The free content changes based on Paramount Plus's current licensing deal with the UFC. Some weeks you may see a full Fight Night card available; other weeks only a few preliminary fights appear. Paramount Plus also sometimes includes highlights, replays of older fights, and behind-the-scenes UFC content as part of your subscription.
Which UFC events require a separate pay-per-view purchase
The numbered UFC events—UFC 300, UFC 301, UFC 302, and so on—almost always require a pay-per-view purchase, even if you subscribe to Paramount Plus. These are the major cards with the biggest names and the most promotion. The main event and most of the main card fights on these events are behind the pay-per-view wall.
Championship fights, title defenses, and fights between top-ranked fighters are almost never free, regardless of the event number. If you see a fight advertised as a major matchup, assume it will cost extra unless Paramount Plus explicitly states otherwise on the event page.
How to learn about a specific fight is free before you buy
Open the Paramount Plus app or website and search for the UFC event by date or fighter name. The event page will list every fight on the card and show you which ones are included with your subscription (usually marked as "included" or with no price) and which ones require pay-per-view (marked with a price or "PPV").
You can also visit the official UFC website, which lists upcoming events and sometimes indicates which platform will broadcast them. If the UFC website does not clearly state whether a fight is free, contact Paramount Plus customer support through the app—they can tell you whether that specific card is available with your subscription in your region.
How to buy a UFC pay-per-view event on Paramount Plus
If a fight requires pay-per-view, you can purchase it directly through Paramount Plus. Open the event page, select the pay-per-view option, and follow the checkout process. The cost varies depending on the event; major numbered cards typically cost more than Fight Night events or international cards.
Your Paramount Plus account will be charged, and you will receive access to the event on all devices where you are signed in. You can usually start watching a few minutes before the preliminary fights begin and continue watching replays for a set period after the event ends (the replay window varies by event).
Other ways to watch UFC pay-per-view if you do not have Paramount Plus
You can buy UFC pay-per-view events through the official UFC website, which sells access directly. You can also purchase through cable and satellite providers if you have a TV subscription with them. Some events are available through ESPN Plus, which is a separate streaming service from Paramount Plus and has its own UFC licensing agreement.
Prices and availability differ depending on which platform you use and where you live. If you plan to watch multiple UFC events per month, comparing the cost of an ESPN Plus subscription against buying individual pay-per-views on Paramount Plus may save you money.
Why some UFC fights are free and others cost money
The UFC sells broadcasting rights to different platforms for different events. Paramount Plus pays for the right to show some fights free to subscribers and some fights as pay-per-view. This lets the UFC make money from both subscription services and individual event purchases.
Major events with the biggest stars generate more pay-per-view revenue, so the UFC reserves those for paid broadcasts. Smaller events and preliminary fights bring in less money per viewer, so the UFC is willing to give those away free to Paramount Plus subscribers as a way to attract and keep subscribers. The arrangement changes year to year based on what deals Paramount Plus and the UFC negotiate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch UFC preliminary fights for free on Paramount Plus?
Some preliminary fights are included with Paramount Plus, but not all of them. Check the event page on Paramount Plus to see which preliminary bouts are free and which require pay-per-view. Early preliminary fights (the very first fights of the day) are more likely to be free than fights closer to the main card.
Do I need Paramount Plus to watch UFC pay-per-view events?
No. You can buy UFC pay-per-view through the UFC website, ESPN Plus, cable providers, or other platforms without having Paramount Plus. However, if you already have Paramount Plus, buying through the app is convenient because the charge goes to your existing account.
Is there a way to know in advance which UFC events will be free on Paramount Plus?
Paramount Plus and the UFC do not publish a schedule of free events months in advance. When an event is announced, check the Paramount Plus app or website to see which fights are included with your subscription. Following the UFC's official social media accounts or website can alert you when cards are announced.
What if I buy a pay-per-view by mistake on Paramount Plus?
Contact Paramount Plus customer support through the app or website and explain the situation. They can sometimes issue a refund if you contact them shortly after the purchase, though refund policies vary. Check your account settings to see if there is a refund option before contacting support.
Does Paramount Plus include UFC content outside of live events?
Yes. Paramount Plus includes UFC highlights, replays of older fights, documentaries, and behind-the-scenes content as part of your subscription. The live event availability is what changes based on the current broadcast deal, but the library of past content is generally available to all subscribers.