How to Watch UFC on YouTube TV

YouTube TV carries most UFC events, but not all of them

YouTube TV includes ESPN and ESPN+ as part of its standard package, which means you can watch most UFC fights that air on those channels. However, not every UFC event streams on ESPN or ESPN+. Some fights are exclusive to the UFC's own streaming service, UFC Fight Pass, or to traditional pay-per-view through cable providers. Before you assume YouTube TV will have the fight you want to watch, you need to check where that specific event is broadcasting.

The easiest way to find out is to visit the UFC's official schedule on their website or app, search for the event date, and look at the broadcast details. That tells you when ready whether the fight card is on ESPN (included with YouTube TV), on ESPN+ (you may need a separate subscription), or locked behind a paywall.

Key Takeaways

YouTube TV includes ESPN and ESPN+, so you can watch UFC events that air on those channels without paying extra.
Not all UFC events broadcast on ESPN or ESPN+; some are exclusive to UFC Fight Pass or traditional pay-per-view.
Check the UFC's official schedule to see which channel or service is broadcasting the specific fight you want to watch.
If a fight is on ESPN+ only, you may need to add that subscription separately, depending on your YouTube TV plan.
Regional blackout rules can prevent you from watching certain events live on YouTube TV, even if they are on ESPN.

What comes with your YouTube TV subscription

YouTube TV's base plan includes access to ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU. These channels broadcast many UFC events throughout the year, particularly the main card fights on fight nights and some pay-per-view main events. You do not pay extra to watch these broadcasts through YouTube TV.

YouTube TV also includes ESPN+, which is ESPN's streaming service. This is where the UFC streams exclusive fights, early prelims, and some full fight cards that do not air on the cable channels. The inclusion of ESPN+ in your YouTube TV subscription means you have access to those events as well, though you still need to log in through the YouTube TV app or website to watch them.

The catch is that ESPN+ sometimes requires a separate subscription if you want access to UFC Fight Pass content or exclusive UFC+ features. YouTube TV's ESPN+ access covers most UFC broadcasts, but not premium UFC+ content that sits behind an additional paywall.

UFC events that are not on YouTube TV

Some UFC events are exclusive to UFC Fight Pass, which is the UFC's own subscription service separate from ESPN+. These are typically smaller fight cards, international events, or older archived fights. If you want to watch those, you need a UFC Fight Pass subscription in addition to YouTube TV.

Major pay-per-view events sometimes air on traditional cable pay-per-view only, meaning they are not included in any streaming service without an additional purchase. YouTube TV does not carry traditional pay-per-view events. If a fight is listed as "PPV" on the UFC schedule, you would need to order it through cable, a cable alternative like Sling TV, or directly through ESPN+ if it is available there.

Regional blackout restrictions can also prevent you from watching certain events live on YouTube TV, even if they are on ESPN. This typically happens with events held in your local area or with regional sports programming rules. You may be able to watch the event on delay after the live broadcast ends.

How to find UFC fights on YouTube TV

Open the YouTube TV app or website and search for "UFC" in the search bar. This shows you upcoming UFC events that are available on your channels. You can also browse ESPN or ESPN2 directly to see what is scheduled.

For a more complete picture, visit the UFC's official website or mobile app and look at their schedule. Each event listing shows you which channel or service is broadcasting it. If it says "ESPN" or "ESPN2," you can watch it on YouTube TV. If it says "ESPN+," check whether that is included in your YouTube TV plan. If it says "UFC Fight Pass" or "PPV," you know you need a separate subscription or purchase.

Set reminders on YouTube TV for fights you do not want to miss. YouTube TV lets you add events to your library or set notifications so you get a reminder when the broadcast is about to start.

Adding ESPN+ if you need more UFC content

If you find that the UFC fights you want to watch are on ESPN+ but not on the cable ESPN channels, you have two options. First, check whether your YouTube TV plan already includes ESPN+ access. Most YouTube TV plans do include it at no extra cost.

If your plan does not include ESPN+, or if you want standalone ESPN+ for additional content beyond what YouTube TV offers, you can subscribe to ESPN+ separately through the ESPN app or website. A standalone ESPN+ subscription costs a monthly fee and gives you access to exclusive UFC events, original shows, and other sports content.

Some people find it cheaper to keep YouTube TV for the cable channels and add a standalone ESPN+ subscription only during months when major UFC events are scheduled on ESPN+ exclusively. Others prefer to bundle ESPN+ with Disney+ and Hulu for a lower combined price.

What to do if the fight you want is not on YouTube TV

If a UFC event is exclusive to UFC Fight Pass, you need to subscribe to that service directly through the UFC's website. UFC Fight Pass is a separate subscription from ESPN+ and YouTube TV, though the UFC sometimes bundles it with ESPN+ in a package called UFC+.

If the fight is on traditional pay-per-view, you can order it through cable if you have a cable provider, or through ESPN+ if the event is available there. Some pay-per-view events are available on ESPN+ for an additional fee on top of your subscription.

Check the UFC schedule a few days before the event to confirm where it is broadcasting. This gives you time to add any subscriptions you need or make other arrangements before the fight starts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need ESPN+ if I already have YouTube TV?

Most YouTube TV plans include ESPN+ at no extra cost, so you do not need a separate subscription for most UFC events. However, if your plan does not include it, or if you want additional ESPN+ content beyond what YouTube TV offers, you can add it separately. Check your YouTube TV plan details to see what is included.

Can I watch UFC on YouTube TV without cable?

Yes. YouTube TV is a streaming service that does not require a cable subscription. You only need a YouTube TV account and an internet connection to watch UFC events that air on ESPN or ESPN+.

Why can't I watch a UFC fight that's on ESPN?

Regional blackout rules can prevent you from watching certain events live, even if they are on ESPN. This usually happens with events held in your local area. You may be able to watch the event on delay after the live broadcast ends, or you might need to use a VPN, though that violates YouTube TV's terms of service.

Is UFC Fight Pass the same as ESPN+?

No. UFC Fight Pass is the UFC's own streaming service, and ESPN+ is ESPN's streaming service. They are separate subscriptions, though the UFC sometimes bundles them together as UFC+. YouTube TV includes ESPN+ but not UFC Fight Pass.

How much does it cost to watch UFC on YouTube TV?

YouTube TV's base plan costs a monthly fee and includes ESPN and ESPN+, so most UFC events are included at no extra cost. If you need UFC Fight Pass or a pay-per-view event, those require additional purchases or subscriptions on top of YouTube TV.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.