Where to watch UFC fights | Ultimate Guide – 2023
With the UFC operating on a near-weekly basis with regular UFC Fight Night events and a monthly numbered PPV event that features all of the biggest and best fights, it’s become quite the challenge for new fans to keep up with all of the action.
If you want to watch UFC fights at home or on your favorite mobile device, then you now require an active ESPN+ subscription. Furthermore, to watch the special UFC PPV events you’ll need to order the fight card via the ESPN+ website.
The UFC signed an exclusive partnership with ESPN+ in 2019 which means all UFC PPV events air only on ESPN+ (and not satellite or cable providers) in the United States.
Read on for our full guide about how and where to watch UFC fights in the United States. Fans can always head to a local sports bar or another venue to watch all of the fights live. Learn how to find a local venue below.
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Where to watch UFC fights
Not interested in ordering the official UFC PPV stream and watching the UFC fights at home? Fortunately, there are many options for fight fans who would like to head out and watch the UFC fights live with others in the area.
The quickest and easiest way to find a participating location near you is by using the UFC “Find a Bar” tool. Simply enter your location into the map and the UFC webpage will show all of the locations where you can watch the UFC PPV live.
Sports Bars
Sports bars typically show every UFC PPV event and they provide a more affordable option for fans who want to watch UFC fights.
Fans can simply show up at the local sports bar, grab a beer and some food, and enjoy the biggest and best UFC fights on the big screen.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings is another popular option for UFC fight fans. Here you can order some wings, sit down, and watch the UFC action. You can see the Buffalo Wild Wings locations that air UFC PPV events on the “Find a Bar” tool linked above.
Other Venues
A quick search using the “Find a Bar” tool shows all of the nearby locations to watch UFC fights. The list is regularly updated to include new bars and venues.
How to watch UFC fights online
As mentioned, the only way to watch UFC fights at home in the United States is with an active ESPN+ subscription.
An ESPN+ subscription includes immediate access to all UFC Fight Night events but does not include the monthly PPV events (numbered UFC events). These events feature the biggest and best fights, with most title fights reserved for these special events.
If you don’t have an ESPN+ subscription
An ESPN+ subscription is required to watch UFC fights.
You can get started by purchasing a special UFC PPV and ESPN+ bundle that includes almost $180 of value for just under $125. The bundle includes one-year access to ESPN+ (normally $99.99) and the next upcoming UFC PPV ($78.99) for just $124.98.
If you are an ESPN+ subscriber
UFC PPV events can be purchased on the ESPN+ website for $74.99.
Find detailed ESPN+ device guides at the bottom of this page to learn how to watch UFC fights on Roku, iPhone, Android, Smart TVs, and more.
UFC on ESPN+ Device Guides
Find detailed guides regarding how to watch UFC on ESPN+ for all of your favorite devices below (via UFC guide).
Watch UFC fights on Apple TV
- Start the ESPN app on your Apple TV
- Select Settings
- Select Subscriptions
- Select Subscribe
- Select Log In
- Note down the activation code and go to http://espn.com/activate on your computer or mobile browser
- On your browser, enter the activation code and select Continue.
- Log in to your existing ESPN account or create a new one
- Your subscription will be now linked to your Apple TV device, and your account will be available to use on any other supported device
Watch UFC fights on Amazon Fire TV
- Start the ESPN app on your Amazon Fire TV.
- Select Settings.
- Select Subscriptions.
- Select ESPN+.
- Select Log In.
- Note down the activation code and go to http://espn.com/activate on your computer or mobile browser.
- On your browser, enter the activation code and click Continue.
- Log in to your existing ESPN account or create a new one.
- Your subscription will be now linked to your Amazon Fire TV device, and your account will be available to use on any other supported device.
Watch UFC fights on iPhone and iPad
- Open the ESPN: Live Sports & Scores app page in the App Store
- Tap the Get button
- Tap Install, then enter your account password
- Download and open the ESPN app
- The ESPN App will need to ask for access to permissions including location. Review the permissions and make your selection
- At the splash screen, tap Login
- Login with your ESPN account tied to your ESPN+ subscription
- Tap the ESPN+ button in the bottom navigation bar
Watch UFC fights on Roku
- Start the ESPN app on your Roku device
- Select Settings
- Select Subscriptions
- Select ESPN+
- Select Log In
- Note down the activation code and go to http://espn.com/activate on your computer or mobile browser
- On your browser, enter the activation code and click Continue
- Log in to your existing ESPN account or create a new one
- Your subscription will be now linked to your Roku device, and your account will be available to use on any other supported device
Watch UFC fights on Android and Android TV
- Start the ESPN app on your Android device
- Login or Sign Up for ESPN account (Do not Sign Up Later)
- Select Settings on top right of the ESPN App
- Select ESPN+ Subscriptions
- Select Subscribe
- Select Restore
- Select Set Up Account to complete activation process. Your subscription will now be linked to your Android Device, and your account will be available to use on any other supported device
Watch UFC fights on Samsung TV
- Start the ESPN app on your Samsung Connected TV (Tizen)
- Select Settings
- Select Subscriptions and select Log In
- Note down the activation code and go to http://espn.com/activate on your computer or mobile browser
- On your browser, enter the activation code and click Continue
- Log in to your existing ESPN account or create a new one
- Your subscription will now be linked to your Samsung Connected TV (Tizen), and your account will be available to use on any other supported device
Watch UFC on Chromecast
- On your mobile device, tablet, or laptop, download the Google Home app
- Follow the Chromecast setup instructions
- Learn how to cast from Chrome to your TV or cast from Chromecast-enabled apps to your TV
- Visit https://plus.espn.com/ in your Chrome browser
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to watch UFC fights?
Without a doubt, UFC is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization, and there are a variety of options for you to watch its events. In the United States, ESPN is the exclusive broadcaster of UFC events. You can watch live fights, both pay-per-view and non-pay-per-view events, on ESPN+ digital streaming service. For international audiences, the UFC Fight Pass is a fantastic option. It provides an extensive library of past fights, documentaries, and exclusive content.
Where to watch UFC near me?
If you’re looking for a physical location to watch UFC events, sports bars and restaurants often host viewing parties. Buffalo Wild Wings, for example, is known to broadcast UFC events. It’s always a good idea to call ahead to confirm. If you’re looking for a more communal experience, consider hosting a viewing party with fellow MMA enthusiasts. Remember, ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass are the go-to digital platforms for watching UFC fights at home or on the go.
Where to watch UFC Fight Night?
A: UFC Fight Night events, which are essentially UFC’s regular, non-pay-per-view events, are also broadcast on ESPN and ESPN+. These Fight Nights usually take place on Saturdays and provide a fantastic platform for emerging fighters to make their mark. Internationally, they’re available on UFC Fight Pass and various local broadcasters depending on your location.
Where to watch UFC tonight?
If there’s a UFC event happening tonight, the location of the broadcast will depend on the type of event. For pay-per-view events, you’ll need to head over to ESPN+ in the US. Non-pay-per-view events, like UFC Fight Nights, are available on both ESPN and ESPN+. And don’t forget the prelims, which are typically available to watch for free on ESPN, and sometimes on UFC’s YouTube channel. Internationally, check out UFC Fight Pass or your local sports broadcaster.
