There’s no denying the adrenaline rush and excitement that comes with Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) battles due to their unpredictability and sheer entertainment value. However, to truly immerse yourself in this highly intense sport, it’s extremely crucial not only to understand the fight schedules, main events, but also the nitty-gritty of accessing these fights. This guide offers an all-encompassing understanding of UFC fights – their scheduling process, the array of media platforms you can leverage to watch them, how to track down reliable links, and even the cost and subscription plans suitable for diverse budgets.
Overview of UFC Fights
Understanding the UFC Schedule
The UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) organizes a plethora of fights throughout the year. These fights fall under several categories: UFC Fight Nights, numbered UFC events, and Pay-Per-View (PPV) events.
UFC Fight Nights are the most common and they take place almost every week. They function as a platform for up-and-coming fighters or those who are trying to make a name for themselves. You can watch these fights on channels like ESPN or ESPN+.
Numbered UFC events, often labeled something like “UFC 263,” are larger in scale and feature more well-known fighters. They typically happen once a month, and they include a main event and several undercard fights. These events are broadcasted on various platforms, such as BT Sport in the UK or ESPN+ in the US.
Pay-per-view events are the grandest and most popular UFC fights. They usually showcase the biggest names in the sport and feature title fights. You can watch these events through different services depending on your location. In the US, they can be viewed through ESPN+ for a fee.
To keep track of the UFC schedule, check their official website. It lists all upcoming events, fighters involved, and availability in your region. The website updates regularly, so it’s a reliable source of information.
How to Watch UFC Fights
If you’re located in the US, ESPN and ESPN+ are the most popular platforms for watching UFC fights. UFC Fight Nights and some numbered UFC events can be found on these platforms. ESPN+ also holds the exclusive rights to broadcast the PPV events, but they come with an additional fee.
For international audiences, other networks or streaming platforms might hold the rights to broadcast UFC fights. For instance, in the UK, fans can catch all the action on BT Sport.
Purchasing Pay-Per-View Events
Purchasing PPV events can be done through the ESPN+ platform if you’re in the US. The prices for these events vary, but they typically cost around $69.99. It’s important to note that to purchase a PPV event, you must be an ESPN+ subscriber. The ESPN+ subscription comes with a monthly ($5.99) or annual ($59.99) fee.
To purchase the PPV event, simply head to the ESPN+ website or app, navigate to the UFC section, and follow the prompts to complete your purchase. You’ll then have access to the PPV event once it begins.
International audiences will have a different process depending on their location and the platform that holds the rights to the UFC broadcasts.
The Day of the Fight
Once the fight day arrives, make sure you’re ready. The prelims usually start a few hours before the main event. Check the UFC or broadcasting platform’s webpage for the exact timing of the event.
In order to watch, simply navigate to ESPN+ or the platform of your choice, sign in, and head to the UFC section. You should be able to find the event and start streaming it live.
In conclusion, understanding the UFC process and schedule revolves around familiarizing yourself with the types of events, knowing where to watch them, and learning the steps to purchasing PPV events.
Platforms to Watch UFC Fights
Watch UFC via ESPN and ESPN+
ESPN and ESPN Plus are two popular platforms for UFC fans. ESPN is a cable TV channel that you need to subscribe to, while ESPN+ is a digital streaming service that you can get separately or as an add-on to your regular ESPN subscription. You can watch UFC fights live on both platforms. If you don’t have cable TV, subscribing to ESPN+ is a great way to get access to UFC fights. It’s also cheaper than a regular ESPN subscription. ESPN+ often offers pay-per-view events, where you can watch big UFC fights for a one-time fee. You can access ESPN+ on almost any device, including your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or smart TV. Here is the link to ESPN+ for more information or to sign up: ESPN+
UFC Fight Pass
Another platform to consider is the UFC Fight Pass, which is UFC’s official streaming service. You have access to a wide range of UFC content, both live and on-demand. Another perk of UFC Fight Pass is that it gives you access to exclusive UFC Fight Nights. The subscription costs vary, but they provide monthly and yearly plans. To subscribe, go to UFC Fight Pass.
Online Streaming Sites
You can also find UFC fights on various online streaming sites. Make sure to use reputable sites and avoid illegal streaming to safeguard your devices from malware and to respect copyright laws. Sites like BT Sport and Sky Sports often broadcast UFC events, but they sometimes require a subscription or pay-per-view purchase. Some alternatives are Sling TV, Hulu with Live TV, and YouTube TV, all of which offer packages that include ESPN. Be sure to check out whether these options are available in your area, as restrictions may apply.
Remember, when choosing a platform, consider factors such as cost, freedom in selection of fights, and accessibility across devices. Each platform offers different benefits, so choose the one that best suits your needs.
Finding Reliable Links to Watch UFC Fights
Locating UFC Broadcasters
The safest way to watch Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fights is by subscribing to authorized broadcasters. In the United States, ESPN+ is the official streaming service for UFC Pay-Per-View events. You can visit their website here. Additionally, certain cable providers also offer UFC events via traditional Pay-Per-View.
Beyond National Borders
For international viewers, other legitimate platforms are available that broadcast UFC. For instance, Canada viewers can use BELL, Rogers, Shaw, SaskTel, Videotron, Telus, Eastlink, and UFC Fight Pass. BT Sport is an option for the United Kingdom, Main Event for Australia, and StarHub for Singapore. It is always best to check local listings for most accurate information.
The UFC Fight Pass
Another secure way to catch UFC fights is to subscribe to UFC Fight Pass. This is the official streaming service from UFC itself, offering a comprehensive library of fights, original series, and other MMA content. Annual, 6-month, and monthly subscription plans are available according to one’s viewing preferences.
Considering VPNs for Protection
While seeking to stream UFC fights, consider using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). VPNs can help shield browsing activity from public networks, providing an extra level of internet safety. Always opt for legitimate VPN services like Express VPN, Nord VPN, or Surfshark.
Caution Against Illegal Streaming Sites
Watch out for websites promising free streaming of UFC fights. While they might seem tempting, many are a front for distributing malware or conducting phishing attacks. These sites are often plagued with invasive pop-up ads and poorly functioning streams. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it likely is.
Filtering Reliable Sources
Always verify the authenticity of a website before providing personal or payment information. Checking for “https://” in the URL is one way to ensure site security. Sites with numerous customer complaints or negative reviews, often found via a simple Google search, are likely best avoided.
Cost and Subscription Plans
Researching Subscription Plans
When it comes to watching UFC fights, finding the right subscription plan can seem daunting. The reality is, though, that each platform provides a means to follow the fights at various costs, each with their own set of benefits.
ESPN+
ESPN+ is currently the primary home for UFC fights. They offer a standalone budget-friendly subscription which can be subscribed to monthly or annually. ESPN+ provides access to a vast amount of UFC content, including exclusive UFC Fight Nights, and Dana White’s Contender Series. The ESPN+ yearly subscription includes a UFC pay-per-view (PPV) event, which is a great option if you’re keen on watching a particular fight. Explore ESPN+ here.
UFC Fight Pass
Another option is UFC’s own in-house service, UFC Fight Pass. Here, you can access a massive library of past fights from UFC and related promotions, plus a selection of live MMA events. UFC Fight Pass offers different subscription models, from a monthly to a yearly plan. However, it’s worth noting that UFC Fight Pass does not include the big, numbered UFC PPV fights. Get started with the Fight Pass here.
Pay-Per-View
Pay-per-view (PPV) is still one of the most common ways to watch big UFC fights, with platforms like Direct TV, Comcast, and Spectrum offering these—though typically at a higher cost for each individual event. PPV fees are often in addition to any existing subscriptions you might have. Check out PPV via Direct TV here.
Comparing Costs
When comparing each plan’s cost, consider how often you plan to watch the fights and which fights you are interested in. ESPN+ comes with a lot of UFC content at a lower annual or monthly cost, but you will have to buy PPVs separately unless you opt for the yearly subscription package. If you’re interested in watching a broad spectrum of MMA content and past fights, the UFC Fight Pass might be a better fit. However, if you’re only interested in the big, numbered events then the PPV model could be more cost-effective.
Selecting the best plan ultimately depends on your preference and budget, so take your time to compare what each offers before making a commitment. Make sure to consider each platform’s associated costs, including the costs of any devices or additional services that may be required to stream the fights, as well as your internet quality and data allowances.
Purchasing Your Chosen Plan
Once you have identified the best plan for your needs, visit the chosen provider’s website and follow the prompts to subscribe or purchase. Ensure that the platform is compatible with your device and that you have a strong and stable internet connection for optimal viewing experience. After the purchase, you’re ready to enjoy the heart-pounding excitement of UFC fights right from your home.
As we embrace the digital age, UFC fights have become more accessible to the public. Making informed decisions on where and how to watch these enthralling matchups can significantly add to the overall experience. With a comprehensive understanding of fight schedules, media platforms, and subscription costs, you’ll be equipped to fully engage and relish in the UFC culture. Be sure to establish a safe and hassle-free streaming setup for an enjoyable and thrilling UFC viewing journey!
