YouTube TV carries UFC events through ESPN and ESPN+

YouTube TV includes ESPN and ESPN2 as part of its base package, which means you can watch some UFC events live on those channels. However, not every UFC fight card airs on ESPN—many main events and premium fights are exclusive to ESPN+, which is a separate subscription service from ESPN the channel.

The key difference: ESPN the cable channel (included with YouTube TV) shows some UFC fights, but the biggest pay-per-view events and exclusive content live on ESPN+, which you must subscribe to separately. This is the same setup whether you use YouTube TV, cable, or any other TV provider.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube TV's base package includes ESPN and ESPN2, where some UFC events broadcast live, at no extra cost beyond your YouTube TV subscription.
  • Major UFC pay-per-view events require an ESPN+ subscription on top of YouTube TV, because ESPN+ is a separate streaming service owned by Disney.
  • You can bundle ESPN+ with Disney+ and Hulu through Disney Bundle, which costs less than subscribing to each service separately.
  • The UFC schedule changes month to month, so checking ESPN.com or the UFC's official schedule tells you which channel or service each fight airs on.
  • YouTube TV lets you watch ESPN content on the YouTube TV app, on ESPN.com, or on the ESPN app if you sign in with your YouTube TV account.

Which UFC fights appear on ESPN versus ESPN+

UFC events split between two types of broadcasts. Preliminary fights and some main card fights air on ESPN or ESPN2 (the cable channels included with YouTube TV). These are free to watch if you have YouTube TV and a cable login.

Pay-per-view main events—the headliner fights that draw the largest audiences—air exclusively on ESPN+. These cost extra. A single UFC pay-per-view event on ESPN+ typically costs between $75 and $80, though the price can vary. If you already subscribe to ESPN+ for other content, you pay only the PPV price on top of your monthly subscription.

The UFC schedule rotates which events go where. Some months feature more ESPN broadcasts, other months lean toward ESPN+. The only way to know for certain is to check the official UFC schedule on UFC.com or ESPN.com a week or two before the event you want to watch.

How to watch ESPN content through YouTube TV

Once you subscribe to YouTube TV, you can watch ESPN and ESPN2 through three routes. The simplest is the YouTube TV app itself—open it, find the ESPN channel, and tune in live or on-demand if the event was recorded.

You can also watch on ESPN.com or the ESPN app. Sign in with your YouTube TV account credentials (the email and password you use for YouTube TV), and ESPN recognizes you as a cable subscriber. This works on phones, tablets, and computers.

Live events on ESPN typically start at the scheduled time shown in the UFC schedule. If you miss it, YouTube TV stores recent broadcasts in your library for a limited time, though pay-per-view events are not stored this way.

Adding ESPN+ to your YouTube TV account

ESPN+ is not part of YouTube TV's base package, so you must subscribe separately. You can sign up for ESPN+ directly through the ESPN+ app or website, or through the Disney Bundle, which combines ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu at a lower combined price than buying each separately.

Once you have ESPN+, you do not need to link it to YouTube TV—they are independent subscriptions. You log into ESPN+ with the email and password you created for that service. On the ESPN+ app or website, you can then purchase individual UFC pay-per-view events or watch other ESPN+ exclusive content.

If you already have a Disney+ or Hulu subscription, adding ESPN+ through the bundle is usually cheaper than subscribing to ESPN+ alone. Check the current pricing on the Disney Bundle website, as prices change periodically.

What happens if a UFC event is not on YouTube TV

If the fight you want to watch is exclusive to ESPN+ and you do not have that subscription, you have a few options. You can purchase ESPN+ for the month, watch the event, and cancel if you do not want to keep it. Many people do this for one or two major events per year.

You can also watch at a sports bar, restaurant, or friend's house where the event is being broadcast. Many establishments with cable or ESPN+ subscriptions show UFC fights on their televisions.

Some UFC events air on other networks—occasionally on ABC or other channels—but this is rare. Check the UFC schedule to see if the event you want is on a channel YouTube TV carries, before assuming you need ESPN+.

Checking the UFC schedule before you watch

The UFC holds events most weekends, but not every weekend, and the schedule changes. The official UFC website (UFC.com) lists every upcoming event with the date, time, and which channel or service it airs on. ESPN.com also publishes the full UFC schedule.

Check the schedule at least a few days before the event. This tells you whether you need YouTube TV alone, YouTube TV plus ESPN+, or whether the event is on a channel YouTube TV does not carry. Some regional sports networks or international broadcasts may not be available through YouTube TV, depending on where you live.

Set a reminder on your phone or calendar for events you plan to watch. UFC main events often start in the evening (typically 10 p.m. Eastern time for pay-per-view broadcasts), and preliminary fights begin earlier in the afternoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch UFC fights on YouTube TV without paying extra?

Yes, if the fight airs on ESPN or ESPN2. These channels are included with YouTube TV. However, major pay-per-view events air only on ESPN+, which requires a separate subscription and an additional per-event fee.

Do I need both YouTube TV and ESPN+ to watch UFC?

Not necessarily. YouTube TV alone covers some UFC events. You need ESPN+ only if you want to watch pay-per-view main events or ESPN+ exclusive fights. Many casual fans watch the preliminary and early main card fights on YouTube TV's ESPN channels and skip the pay-per-view.

How much does it cost to watch a UFC pay-per-view on ESPN+?

Individual UFC pay-per-view events on ESPN+ typically cost between $75 and $80. If you already subscribe to ESPN+ for other content, you pay only the PPV price on top of your monthly subscription fee. Prices can vary, so check ESPN+ before purchasing.

Can I watch UFC on YouTube TV if I travel outside the United States?

YouTube TV is available only in the United States. If you travel internationally, you will not be able to access YouTube TV or ESPN content through it. Some countries have their own UFC broadcast partners, but that varies by location.

What if I miss a UFC fight—can I watch it later?

Preliminary and early main card fights on ESPN may be available on-demand through YouTube TV or ESPN.com for a limited time. Pay-per-view events are typically not available on-demand, so you must watch live or purchase the replay separately if ESPN+ offers that option.