How to Stream UFC Events in 2024: PPV and Fight Night Access

Published on: March 10, 2024

ESPN+ has quickly become an essential service for UFC, MMA and PFL fans. For UFC pay-per-view (PPV) events, you need an ESPN+ subscription, and there is no way to watch a PPV match without one. 

The ESPN family of networks has the broadcast and streaming rights to all UFC Fight Night matches and events across streaming and cable TV. 

While there is currently no free trial for ESPN+ or UFC events, a new streaming service is on the horizon that fans should watch out for. 

A collaboration of ESPN, FOX and Warner Bros. Discovery is set to become a new option for UFC fans later this year. While it’s unclear whether this new service will offer a free trial, this yet-unnamed streaming service will be another option for any UFC event on ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN+. The price for this sports streaming service has yet to be announced.

This guide explains all the latest ways of how to watch UFC Fight Night, UFC PPV events, and prelims on ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN Deportes without needing cable or satellite. ESPN+ exclusively offers UFC PPV fights and showcases other MMA events, PFL and UFC Fight Nights.

Where & How to Watch UFC Fight Night

On any given Saturday, ESPN+ schedules feature two to three UFC fights. You can simply sign up for an ESPN+ subscription online, then use your credentials within the ESPN app to start streaming live UFC events. A subscription to ESPN+ costs $10.99 per month, and you can cancel online whenever you like. You can also get ESPN+ through the Disney Bundle or Hulu Live TV.

watch UFC
(Photo courtesy: ESPN.com)
PLANPRICESTREAMS
ESPN+$10.99/moHD/1080p – 3 devices
Disney Trio Basic
(with ads)
$14.99/mo.Disney+ up to 4K/Dolby Atmos
Hulu up to 4K
ESPN+ HD/1080p
Disney Trio Premium
(only ESPN+ with ads)
$24.99/mo.Disney+ up to 4K/Dolby Atmos
Hulu up to 4K
ESPN+ HD/1080p
Hulu + Live TV$76.99/mo.Live TV/1080p
Disney+ up to 4K/Dolby Atmos
Hulu up to 4K
ESPN+ HD/1080p
Device support: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast with Google TV along with Smart TVs by Samsung, VIZIO SmartCast, Sony Bravia, PlayStation, XBox, Xfinity Flex and Xumo TV.

Watching UFC Prelims on ESPN+

Although ESPN and ESPN2 air preliminary fights on cable and live TV streaming services, you can watch these fights along with UFC Fight Night on ESPN+. You can also watch UFC Fight Night in English or Spanish through ESPN+. 

Cord-cutters no longer need to subscribe to a live TV streaming service to stream prelims on ESPN or ESPN2 using a service like YouTube TV or Sling TV.

If you do want to use a live TV service to watch prelims and other UFC matches, Hulu Live TV is your best option for comprehensive coverage. 

All Hulu Live TV subscribers get ESPN+ included in your subscription, along with access to live streams of ESPN and ESPN2. A subscription costs $76.99 per month, and you have the option to buy a standalone PPV event since you already have ESPN+. 

Hulu offers ESPN Deportes through the Espanol add-on for an additional $4.99 per month.

All UFC events, including UFC Fight Night and UFC PPVs, are streamed through the ESPN app once you have a ESPN+ subscription. You can sign up for a standalone subscription to ESPN+ for $10.99 per month. 

Hulu Live TV does not offer a free trial, and it’s not the cheapest service for watching prelims on ESPN or ESPN2. Here is a comparison of Hulu Live TV along with other live TV contenders like YouTube TV and Sling TV.

ServiceFree TrialMonthly PriceKey Channels
Hulu + Live TVNo$76.99ESPN networks, FS1, FS2, A&E, FX, Nat Geo Wild, Disney+, ESPN+
Fubo7-day$79.99ESPN, ESPN Deportes, FS1, HGTV, Food Network
Sling TVNo (Offers vary)$40ESPN, ESPN2, AMC, HGTV, TBS
YouTube TV7-day$72.99ESPN, ESPN2, 128 other channels
DIRECTV STREAM5-day$79.99ESPN, ESPN2, A&E, USA Network, 75+ other channels
ESPN+No$10.99Exclusive sports events, including UFC, NHL, and more

Buying UFC PPV: Prices & Packages

To purchase UFC Pay-Per-View (PPV), you must first subscribe to ESPN+. There is no way you can watch a PPV event without an ESPN+ subscription. 

A standalone PPV event is priced at $79.99. A subscription to ESPN+ costs $10.99 per month. If you’re not yet an ESPN+ subscriber and looking to save, here are your options:

  • Option 1: Purchase a UFC PPV event for $79.99, and get an ESPN+ subscription on a month-to-month basis at $10.99 per month.
  • Option 2: Combine a yearly ESPN+ subscription ($109.99 per year) with your UFC PPV for $134.98 total, and get access to the next PPV event as well.
  • Option 3: For existing Hulu subscribers, consider adding ESPN+ and UFC PPV to your subscription. Hulu (with Ads) is $7.99 per month. Normal pricing applies to ESPN+ and UFC PPV.
  • Option 4: For Hulu Live TV subscribers, you can add a UFC PPV and watch through your ESPN+ account.
  • Option 5: Buy a UFC PPV with the Disney bundle. The Disney Bundle Trio Basic is $14.99 per month and includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Your total cost with a PPV is $94.98. 

How & Where to Watch UFC on TV FAQs:

How can I stream UFC Fight Night without cable?

You can watch UFC Fight Night with a subscription to ESPN+. A subscription to ESPN+ costs $10.99 per month. Subscribers get access to live UFC bouts and a full slate of on-demand programs such as The Return of the Ultimate Fighter,  Dana White’s Contender Series, Detail from the Mind of Daniel Cormier and UFC Destined.

What are the options for watching UFC PPV events in 2024?

ESPN+ has the exclusive streaming rights to UFC PPV events in the U.S. You can choose among a standalone subscription to ESPN+, or get the sports streaming service through the Disney bundle or Hulu Live TV.

Can I rewatch UFC Fight Night on ESPN+?

Buying a UFC PPV event allows for replays up to 15 days post-event, with access available around 90 minutes after completion.

How much does it cost to subscribe to ESPN+ for UFC events?

A subscription to ESPN+ costs $10.99 per month. This subscription grants you access to a wide range of live sports, including exclusive UFC events, MLB, NHL, soccer, original shows, and sports documentaries.

Is UFC Fight Night included with my ESPN+ subscription?

Yes, UFC Fight Night events are included with your ESPN+ subscription. Subscribers have access to live UFC Fight Nights, along with other exclusive MMA and UFC programming without any additional cost.

Where can I find UFC Fight Night streaming for free?

UFC Fight Night events are not available for free streaming due to broadcasting rights. However, ESPN+ offers an affordable way to watch these events live. Always consider using legitimate services to support the athletes and the sport.

Can I buy UFC PPV without an ESPN+ subscription?

No, you need an ESPN+ subscription to purchase UFC Pay-Per-View (PPV) events. The subscription allows you to buy upcoming PPV events and access a vast library of past UFC events, documentaries, and exclusive ESPN+ shows.

Can you watch UFC prelims on ESPN+?

Yes, you can watch UFC prelims on ESPN+. Your ESPN+ subscription provides access to a variety of UFC content, including prelims for both PPV events and Fight Nights, ensuring you don’t miss any of the action leading up to the main events.

Are UFC prelims free on ESPN+?

UFC prelims are available on ESPN+ as part of your subscription. This includes access to early prelims and prelim bouts before the main card events on UFC Fight Nights and PPV events.

Can I Purchase UFC Pay-Per-View Events Without an ESPN+ Subscription?

To purchase and watch UFC Pay-Per-View (PPV) events, you are required to have an ESPN+ subscription. Subscribers get exclusive fight nights, behind-the-scenes programs, and additional fighter coverage.

The ESPN+ platform serves as the exclusive provider for UFC PPVs, meaning that an active subscription is a prerequisite for buying and viewing PPV events. If you’re a new subscriber, there are often bundle deals available that include the PPV event.

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Methodology

I spend hundreds of hours throughout the year conducting hands-on testing of streaming services, including Peacock, DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Sling TV, YouTube TV, Hulu Live TV. I do the same rigorous testing for TV antennas and TV-related hardware. Check out the review policy to see how I compare products and services. The Cord Cutting Report is a reader-supported publication, and may earn affiliate commissions when you pick a streaming service through a recommendation. Read our affiliate policy for more information.

Jim Kimble is a seasoned industry expert with over two decades of journalism experience. He has been at the forefront of the cord-cutting movement since 2016, testing and writing about TV-related products and services. He founded The Cord Cutting Report in 2016, and serves as the editor.

Major publications, including MarketWatch, Forbes, and South Florida Sun Sentinel, have interviewed Kimble for his years of expertise. He gives advice on the complexities consumers are navigating with streaming options, and over-the-air TV. Kimble has been a staff writer or correspondent for several award-winning, daily newspapers, including The Boston Globe.