Where to Watch UFC in 2026: Every Legal Way to Watch

If you are asking where to watch UFC in 2026, the answer in the U.S. is Paramount+. Since January 1, 2026, every numbered UFC event and every Fight Night streams on Paramount+ at no extra cost, and selected big events also air live on CBS. The old ESPN+ pay-per-view model is gone, so a single streaming subscription now covers the full UFC calendar.

That is a big change for fans who spent years paying around $80 per numbered event on top of an ESPN+ subscription. This guide covers every legal option, what each one includes, and which setup makes sense for casual viewers and hardcore fans.

What changed: the Paramount deal in brief

UFC’s parent company, TKO, signed a seven-year deal with Paramount worth a reported $7.7 billion, running through 2033. Under the deal, Paramount+ is the exclusive U.S. streaming home for UFC. The schedule calls for 13 numbered events and around 30 Fight Nights each year.

Here is what that means in practice:

• No more pay-per-view: numbered events such as UFC 332 and UFC 333 are included with a Paramount+ subscription.
• Some fights on free TV: selected numbered events are simulcast on CBS, which you can watch with an antenna, cable or a live TV service.
• ESPN is out: the previous ESPN and ESPN+ deal ended after 2025.

Every legal way to watch UFC in the U.S.

Prices are the advertised U.S. rates at the time of writing. Check Paramount’s site for current offers, since promotions and bundles change often.

Upcoming UFC events this fall

Here are the scheduled cards for the rest of the year according to UFC’s published calendar. Matchups and venues can change, so confirm a few days before each event.

All of these stream on Paramount+. Whether a given numbered event also appears on CBS is announced closer to fight night, so check the CBS schedule that week.

Watching UFC on CBS for free

CBS simulcasts are the only way to see some UFC cards without a subscription. If you live within range of a CBS station, an HD antenna picks it up at no monthly cost. Our guide to the best indoor TV antennas is a good starting point, and rural viewers can check our rural antenna guide.

Live TV streaming services that carry local CBS, such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo and DirecTV Stream, also show these simulcasts. Keep in mind that CBS only carries a handful of events, and most Fight Nights and many numbered events stay on Paramount+ only.

Where UFC Fight Pass fits now

UFC Fight Pass is still a separate subscription. It is built around the UFC fight library, classic events and fights from other promotions, rather than the current live UFC schedule. For most fans who just want this year’s events live, Paramount+ is the subscription to get first. Fight Pass is an add-on for people who enjoy archive footage and regional MMA.

Best setups for different fans

1. Casual fan who watches big cards: Paramount+ Essential month to month during busy stretches, plus an antenna for CBS simulcasts.
2. Every-weekend fan: Paramount+ annual plan, which works out cheaper than paying monthly all year.
3. MMA completist: Paramount+ plus UFC Fight Pass for the archives.
4. Combat sports fan in general: Paramount+ also carries Zuffa Boxing, so one subscription covers both UFC and Dana White’s boxing promotion.

The Paramount+ app works on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Google TV, smart TVs and game consoles. If you need new hardware, our guide to the best streaming devices compares the main options.

Some fans also use IPTV services for broad sports coverage. Our own plan, IPTV Journal, is $89 for 12 months. Whatever you use, make sure it is licensed to carry the channels it offers. IPTV is a legal technology, but services that restream UFC or Paramount+ without rights are not, and those illegal streams are also unreliable on fight night.

Which option should you choose?

For almost every U.S. viewer, the answer is simple: get Paramount+ Essential. It covers every live UFC event for less than the cost of a single old pay-per-view each month. Add an antenna if you want free CBS simulcasts, and consider Fight Pass only if you want the archives.

FAQ

Is UFC still on ESPN+?

No. UFC’s deal with ESPN ended after the 2025 season. Since January 2026, live UFC events in the U.S. stream on Paramount+, with some events on CBS.

Do I still need to pay for UFC pay-per-view?

No. Numbered events that used to be pay-per-view are now included with a standard Paramount+ subscription. There is no extra per-event fee in the U.S.

Which Paramount+ plan do I need for UFC?

Both Essential and Premium include every live UFC event. Essential is the cheaper choice, while Premium adds an ad-free on-demand library and Showtime content.

Can I watch UFC for free?

Some numbered events are simulcast live on CBS, which you can watch free with an antenna. Free trials or promotions may be available from Paramount+ at times, but check the current terms before signing up.

How do I watch UFC outside the U.S.?

Paramount’s deal covers the United States. Broadcasters differ by country, so check UFC’s official website for the licensed partner in your country rather than using workarounds.