Sports were much slower than TV shows and movies in joining the online streaming revolution, due mainly to stricter region-based broadcasting restrictions. A lot has changed in recent years, though, and it’s now easy for MMA fans to live stream UFC fights and more right on their computers, mobile devices, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. If you’re in that camp and you’re looking for the best way to watch UFC online, here’s what you need to know.
The best way to watch UFC live streams online is ESPN+, the sports broadcaster’s premium streaming service that launched in 2018. ESPN+ brings a cornucopia of sports content — including MMA and boxing, among much more — to virtually any modern streaming device. That said, you’ve got some other options that are also worth mentioning, although due to the close relationship between ESPN and the Ultimate Fighting Championship, you’ll still need to sign up for ESPN+ in order to live stream UFC pay-per-view events like UFC 269: Oliveira vs. Poirier.
Event: | UFC 269: Oliveira vs Poirier |
Date: | 11 December 2021 |
Main Card Time: | 10:00 PM [EST] |
Prelims Time: | 8:00 PM [EST] |
Early Prelims Time: | 6:30 PM [EST] |
Venue: | T-Mobile Arena, Nevada, US. |
UFC Live Stream via ESPN+

ESPN+ is one of the best (if not the best) options for UFC live streaming. It’s an especially good choice for cord-cutters who are already into streaming and are looking to add UFC and a myriad of other sports to their entertainment toolbox. ESPN+ is also the only outlet where you can live stream UFC PPV events; that fact alone pretty much makes it a must-have for die-hard MMA fans. Thankfully, ESPN+ is very affordable at just $7 per month or $70 per year, and ahead of pay-per-views, new subscribers can grab a bundle deal that includes a year’s worth of ESPN+ plus the UFC PPV package — a combined $140 value — for just $90.
Of course, ESPN+ is hardly limited to UFC live streaming. You also get access to a ton of live and on-demand sports content, from games and matches to analysis, interviews, exclusive shows, documentaries, and much more. All of this can be enjoyed on your computer web browser, smart TV, mobile device, or Xbox or PlayStation gaming console.
Other streaming platforms for UFC Fights
If you’re shopping for a larger streaming package that includes ESPN, however, then you’ve got a few other options — just remember that without ESPN+, you’ll miss out on pay-per-view UFC live streams. All of these services work with the vast majority of modern streaming platforms, but always be sure to check and make sure that the one you want is compatible with your devices before signing up.
- FuboTV is a relative newcomer that is quickly shaping up to be the number one streaming platform for sports fans (including those who want to live stream UFC fights). It offers several plans that both include ESPN: The Starter plan, which offers 100-plus channels and rings in at $65 per month, the $70-per-month Pro plan which lets you watch on unlimited screens, and the $80-per-month Elite plan which features 150-plus channels along with some other extras.
- Hulu might have the biggest name recognition when it comes to streaming TV shows and channels, so its place on this list should come as no surprise. Its $65/month Live TV plan includes ESPN and you can add premium channels like HBO, Showtime, Starz, and more to your plan a la carte. If you want ESPN+, then another great option is The Disney Bundle which gets you basic ad-supported Hulu (note that this is different than the full Hulu Live package), Disney+, and ESPN+ for just $14 per month. You can also bundle that with Hulu Live TV for $73 per month and save $7.
- Sling TV stands as a cost-effective alternative for streamers who don’t want to pay for a bunch of channels they’re never going to watch. Sling has two smaller plans – Orange and Blue — which you can get for $35 per month each. Only the Orange package has ESPN channels for things like UFC live streams, though, but you can combine the two into the Orange + Blue plan for only $50 per month. As with Hulu, premium channels are available at extra cost.
- YouTube TV, as you probably gleaned from the name, is YouTube’s foray into the world of premium streaming services. It costs $65 per month — the same as Hulu or Fubo — and includes ESPN, letting you live stream UFC content (aside from pay-per-views, which still require ESPN+). You get more than 85 channels out of the gate with premium add-ons available.
What UFC Fights are happening in 2021?
The UFC follows a straightforward seasonal cycle that starts in January and ends in December, although since fights happen year-round, these aren’t really “seasons” in the same way that other sports run their schedules. There’s typically one big pay-per-view UFC live stream per month (sometimes two) with “Fight Nights” taking place every Saturday outside of these big PPV events. Here’s a quick preview of upcoming confirmed fights (note that it may be incomplete and is subject to change), but be sure to check out the full UFC live stream schedule here.
Date | Time | Event | Fighters |
December 4 | 10 PM ET | UFC Fight Night | Font vs. Aldo |
December 11 | 10 PM ET | UFC 269 | Oliveira vs. Poirier |
December 18 | 7 PM ET | UFC Fight Night | Lewis vs. Daukaus |
January 22 | 10 PM ET | UFC 270 | Ngannou vs. Gane |
Get nearest big Fight about UFC 270.
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