Key Takeaways: How to Watch UFC Live Stream
- UFC Fight Nights, early prelims and prelims are available on ESPN+, ESPN, ESPN2 and other streaming services that carry ESPN channels. Outside the U.S., you can watch Fight Nights on Foxtel TV and Kayo (Australia), BT Sport (UK) and Sony Sports (India).
- UFC PPV events are exclusively available on ESPN+ and are much more expensive than Fight Nights.
- If you’re traveling abroad or are in a country without UFC livestream options, you’ll need a VPN to watch UFC live events. ExpressVPN is the best VPN for UFC streaming, thanks to its fast speeds and unmatched unblocking ability.
There’s no denying that the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is the world’s biggest MMA promotion. Today, UFC is synonymous with high-caliber fights, pitting superstars such as Israel Adesanya, Aljamain Sterling, Brandon Moreno, Amanda Nunes and Zhang Weili, to name a few, against each other. Despite the popularity of the promotion, UFC live stream options are few and far between.
If you’re an ardent UFC fan looking to ditch cable or satellite TV, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll show you how to watch UFC online from anywhere. However, because of strict geo-restrictions, UFC streaming sites might be blocked in your location. That’s not to mean they’re inaccessible — far from it.
All of the UFC live stream options are accessible using a VPN service. We tested many VPNs with the UFC streaming options, and three services came out on top (read our best VPN roundup if you’re curious for more). Read on to find out which VPN services work seamlessly with your favorite UFC streaming service.
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09/06/2021
Changed the format of the article and updated streaming information.
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09/07/2022
Updated Windscribe pricing: the paid plan increased to $5.75 per month from $4.08. The Build-a-Plan minimum purchase also increased to $3 from $2. Also updated Windscribe’s free data cap to 15GB due to it offering 5GB extra permanently when you tweet about the service.
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06/18/2023 Facts checked
We rewrote this guide on how to watch UFC fights, including step-by-step instructions.
Where to Watch UFC Streams
Let’s discuss the available streaming options before we show you how to watch UFC online with a VPN.
The UFC and ESPN signed a deal in 2018 that saw ESPN snatch the rights to broadcast UFC from FOX. In the spring of the same year, ESPN launched its premium streaming platform — ESPN+ — giving UFC cord-cutters a reason to smile. As it stands, ESPN+ is the go-to platform for UFC live streaming.
However, UFC has two categories of live events: UFC Fight Nights and pay-per-view events (also known as numbered events). Each category features prelims, which are curtain-raisers to the main event. Let’s delve into the details of the two categories.
Where to Watch UFC Fight Night
UFC Fight Nights are the low-tier events of the UFC; hence, they’re more affordable. While Fight Nights feature up-and-coming talents, the fighters are driven by the intense desire to break into the top-tier UFC category. As a result, the fights are thrilling and should be on any UFC fan’s watchlist.
Luckily, UFC Fight Night subscription packages are pocket-friendly. To watch UFC Fight Night, you need an ESPN+ regular subscription, which costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year and lets you watch all four monthly Fight Nights. In addition, you’ll gain access to on-demand UFC content, including fight replays, Dana White’s Contender Series, fighter interviews and other original content.
Besides a regular ESPN+ subscription, you can watch UFC Fight Nights with the Disney bundle. The bundle costs $12.99 per month (with ads) or $19.99 per month (without ads) and is the best bet for MMA fans looking to supplement the UFC fight thrill with movies on Disney+ and Hulu. Read our guide on where and how to watch UFC Fight Night.
Other options to watch UFC Fight Night online include:
| Country | Streaming Service |
|---|---|
 U.K. |
BT Sport |
 Australia |
Foxtel TV (Foxtel Go app) Kayo* |
 India |
Sony Sports |
 Africa |
Supersport (on DSTV) |
Where to Watch UFC Pay-Per-View (PPV) Events
The PPV events feature division champions and other A-listers on the UFC roster. Each PPV event is headlined by one championship bout, but it’s not uncommon to have another title fight as a co-main event. In addition to the title bouts, PPV fight cards include early prelims and prelims, which feature high-caliber fights, too.
The pay-per-view events are UFC’s cash cow — they generate staggering amounts of money through subscribership and sponsorship deals. It’s a boon for the fighters because they get to earn lucrative deals. Sadly for the fans, PPV subscriptions are pricey.
The basic ESPN+ subscription doesn’t cut it for UFC PPV events. Besides the regular subscription, you’ll have to cough up an extra $79.99 when a PPV event rolls around.
Thankfully, when you subscribe to the annual ESPN+ PPV package for $124.98, you get to watch the upcoming UFC PPV for free. For example, if you subscribe before July 11, 2023, you’ll get to watch UFC 289 for free. Just bear in mind that the ESPN+ PPV package only allows you to watch one PPV event.
Another thing to note is that the PPV main events (championship bouts) are exclusively available on ESPN+. However, you can get the UFC Fight Pass for $9.99 per month or $95.99 per year to watch UFC early prelims and prelims on the UFC app or website.
How to Watch UFC: Live Stream UFC Fights With a VPN
UFC live stream options are hard to come by, and the few that are available are geo-restricted. For example, ESPN+ isn’t available outside the U.S. This means that if you’re traveling abroad or are not a U.S. resident, you’ll need a VPN to access the streaming service.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to watch UFC on ESPN+ using ExpressVPN — the best VPN for live sports streaming.
- Download and Install a VPN App
Subscribe to a VPN with servers in the U.S., and download and install the VPN app on your device. If you want to stream UFC on your ESPN+ or UFC app, install the app from Google Play or Apple’s app store.
- Connect to a US Server
Launch the newly-installed VPN app and complete the setup. Connect to a U.S. server and do a DNS leak test to confirm you got the appropriate IP address.
What ExpressVPN looks like when it’s connected to a server - Subscribe to ESPN Plus
Go to the ESPN+ website and create an account. While ESPN billing requires a U.S. card, the option to pay via PayPal will work for UFC fans outside the U.S.
- Watch UFC Without Interruption
You’re now set. Go to the ESPN+ login page and log in to watch UFC Fight Nights, PPV events and on-demand content. Remember that you’ll need to pay extra for PPV events.
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UFC Free Stream: MMA Streams for Free
Sadly for UFC fans on a tight budget, options to watch UFC for free are scanty. The go-to streaming channel — ESPN+ — doesn’t offer a free trial or free plan. This means you can’t stream UFC PPV events for free.
However, you can access other UFC live events for free using free trials on streaming services that carry ESPN and ESPN2. For example, fuboTV and YouTube TV carry ESPN channels and offer a seven-day and five-day free trial, respectively. Still, you can only watch select UFC fights on ESPN and ESPN2.
UFC 289 Main Card
The Nunes vs Aldana bantamweight title fight headlines UFC 289 PPV event. Amanda (popularly known as “The Lioness”) returns to the octagon for the first time in almost one year.
The two-time bantamweight champion takes her title defense to Vancouver, Canada, against an in-form Irene Aldana. The Mexican is no pushover. She’s ranked fifth in the division and has won three of her last four fights via knock-out.
Who will win the women’s bantamweight title bout? Catch the action live from Canada on ESPN+ on Sunday, June 10, 2023. The co-main event will feature the exciting Oliveira vs Dariush lightweight bout. Charles Oliveira is the division champion, whereas Beneil Dariush is ranked fourth in the division.
Other fights in the UFC main event card include:
UFC 289 Main Event (Available on UFC Fight Pass)
| Category: | Fighters: |
|---|---|
| Welterweight | Mike Mallott vs Adam Fugitt |
| Featherweight | Dan Ige vs Nate Landwehr |
| Middleweight | Marc-Andre Barriault vs Eryk Anders |
UFC 289 Prelims (Available on UFC Fight Pass)
| Category: | Fighters: |
|---|---|
| Flyweight | David Dvorak vs Stephen Erceg |
| Light Heavyweight | Khalil Rountree Jr. vs Chris Daukaus |
| Middleweight | Nassourdine Imavov vs Chris Curtis |
| Featherweight | Kyle Nelson vs Blake Bilder |
| Flyweight | Miranda Maverick vs Jasmine Jasudavicius |
| Bantamweight | Aiemann Zahabi vs Aoriqileng |
UFC 289 Early Prelims (Available on UFC Fight Pass)
| Category: | Fighters: |
|---|---|
| Women’s Strawweight | Diana Belbita vs Maria Oliveira |
Best VPNs for UFC
A VPN is indispensable for a great UFC live streaming experience, especially if you’re traveling abroad or are in a country without UFC live streams. As mentioned, we tested numerous VPNs and narrowed the options to three services. We’ll reveal the strengths of each VPN, starting with ExpressVPN — the best VPN for streaming.
1. ExpressVPN
Pros:
- Fast download speeds
- Unparalleled unblocking
- 30-day money-back return
Cons:
- Pricey
ExpressVPN is the best streaming VPN, thanks to fast connection speeds and unmatched unblocking ability. When we tested the VPN, it got around ESPN+ geoblocks on the first attempt, regardless of which of the 24 U.S. servers we used. Drawing from that experience, ExpressVPN should easily unblock any UFC live-stream platform.
When streaming UFC live events, you need a VPN with fast download speeds, lest you miss the punches and knockout kicks due to video lag and buffering. Fortunately, ExpressVPN is fast, thanks to its proprietary Lightway protocol. In addition, it offers unlimited data and bandwidth, allowing you to watch UFC fights without the fear of getting cut off.
The only quibble we have is that ExpressVPN is pricey compared to other services. However, its suite of features and all-around performance easily justify the pricing. Read our full ExpressVPN review to learn more.
- Unlimited GB
- 5
- Yes
2. NordVPN
Pros:
- Fast download speeds
- Budget-friendly VPN
- 30-day money-back return
Cons:
- Server breached in 2018
If ExpressVPN’s pricing is off-putting, NordVPN is the best alternative. As the fastest VPN around, you’ll enjoy interruption-free UFC streaming. Like our top pick, it offers unlimited data and bandwidth, so you can watch UFC fights from the first round to the last without losing connection.
NordVPN used to take several attempts to unblock popular streaming services, but that has changed. The provider seems to have revamped its pool of IP addresses to expunge blacklisted IPs. As it stands, NordVPN is equally as apt as our top pick regarding the overall unblocking ability. During our testing, the service accessed UFC streaming platforms without struggle.
NordVPN’s monthly plan is on the higher side of the VPN pricing spectrum. Thankfully, extended plans offer a significant discount, making NordVPN the best cheap VPN. Learn more about the VPN’s capability in our comprehensive NordVPN review.
- Unlimited GB
- 6
- Yes
- Unlimited GB
- 6
- Yes
3. Proton VPN
Pros:
- Free servers in the U.S.
- Unlimited data on free plan
- Top-notch security & privacy
Cons:
- Sluggish during peak hours
If you want to access UFC streaming sites in the U.S. from abroad for free, Proton is the best bet. During our testing, the U.S. servers unblocked ESPN+, but it sometimes took several attempts to find a way through. Considering you get the VPN for free, that’s not much of a bother.
We tested the VPN during peak and off-peak hours, and the results were stark. During off-peak hours, Proton VPN delivered an interruption-free streaming experience. Sadly, when the servers were busy, video lag and buffering were the order of the day. Don’t be surprised if you miss a few punches here and there for fights taking place during peak hours.
One thing you shouldn’t worry about is getting cut off in the middle of an intense fight — Proton VPN offers unlimited data. The uncapped data makes it the best free VPN, and it means you can watch UFC Fight Nights and PPV events without exhausting a data limit. Read our Proton VPN review to learn more.
- Unlimited GB
- 1
- Yes
Final Thoughts
Now you know where and how to watch UFC live events. While some UFC live stream platforms may be inaccessible in your location, a reliable VPN can quickly remedy that.
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for UFC live streaming thanks to its unmatched unblocking ability and fast speeds. NordVPN is a cheaper option and alternative to ExpressVPN, ideal for MMA fans on a tighter budget. If you want a free VPN to access U.S. streaming services from abroad, Proton VPN is the best bet.
Did you watch Sterling vs Cejudo and other fights in UFC 288? Which streaming platform did you use? Did you use a VPN to access that streaming platform? Which VPN service did your use? We’d like to hear about it in the comment section. As always, thanks for reading.
FAQ: Watch UFC Anywhere
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To watch UFC fights for free, sign up for a fuboTV or YouTube TV free trial and check the available UFC fights on ESPN or ESPN2.
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No, Amazon Prime Video doesn’t carry UFC live events or on-demand content.
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You can watch MMA streams for free on Sportsurge. However, free MMA streaming sites may jeopardize your online security and privacy. Therefore, we recommend using a reputable VPN when streaming on these sites.
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UFC PPV events are exclusively available on ESPN+. In that regard, it’s not possible to order UFC without ESPN+.
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