Is UFC Fight Night free with ESPN+?

Whether UFC Fight Night events are free with an ESPN+ subscription is a common question for mixed martial arts fans interested in streaming live UFC fights. ESPN+ has been the exclusive home for UFC pay-per-view events in the United States since 2019, but UFC Fight Night events are broadcast differently than numbered UFC PPVs.

UFC Fight Night Broadcast Rights

UFC Fight Night events are broadcast on a combination of ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN+, and UFC Fight Pass. Unlike numbered UFC PPV events which require an additional fee beyond the cost of an ESPN+ subscription, UFC Fight Night events are included at no extra charge for ESPN+ subscribers.

However, some portions of UFC Fight Night events are exclusively available on ESPN’s cable channels or UFC Fight Pass. The main card for most Fight Night events airs on ESPN or ESPN+, while the preliminary card airs across ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN+, and UFC Fight Pass. UFC sometimes splits programming between ESPN and ESPN2 if other live sports are airing at the same time.

UFC Programming on ESPN Networks

As this breakdown shows, ESPN+ subscribers have access to live UFC prelims and additional content, but the main card for UFC Fight Night events may air on ESPN’s cable networks.

UFC Fight Night Main Cards on ESPN+

In recent years, the UFC has shifted to broadcasting more Fight Night main cards exclusively on ESPN+. This gives ESPN+ subscribers regular access to live UFC events without an additional PPV fee.

However, ESPN’s cable networks still host some UFC main cards. Generally, bigger UFC Fight Night events with championship matches or ranked contenders air on ESPN, while smaller fight cards stream exclusively on ESPN+. The UFC and its broadcast partners make these decisions based on factors like fan interest, venue, and timing.

Recent UFC on ESPN+ Fight Cards

This schedule shows that most, but not all, recent UFC Fight Night main cards have streamed on ESPN+. Bigger events like UFC Fight Night 220 with ranked fighters aired on ESPN cable, while smaller fight cards were exclusive to ESPN+’s streaming service.

How to Watch UFC Fight Night on ESPN+

To watch live UFC Fight Nights on ESPN+, you need to subscribe to the streaming service. Here are the steps to access UFC content on ESPN+:

1. Sign up for an ESPN+ account on ESPN.com or via the ESPN app
2. Select the platform where you plan to stream (mobile, Roku, Apple TV, etc)
3. Log in to the ESPN app before the event starts
4. Find the UFC section and select the live stream
5. You can also set reminders for UFC events within the ESPN app

ESPN+ costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year. There is no long-term contract, so you can cancel at any time. ESPN+ is included with the Disney Bundle that also features Hulu and Disney+ for $12.99 per month.

Watching on Mobile Devices

The ESPN app is available on iOS and Android mobile devices. Once logged in, you can watch live UFC fights on your phone or tablet.

Make sure to have a stable WiFi or mobile data connection to avoid buffering issues. For the best experience, connect to WiFi if you plan to stream for an extended period.

Watching on Streaming Media Players

You can also access ESPN+ on popular media players like Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, and Xbox One. Download the ESPN app in your device’s app store, log in with your ESPN+ account, and navigate to the UFC section to watch live events and on-demand replays.

Streaming boxes connect to your TV and provide a big screen experience. For 4K streaming, use Apple TV 4K or Fire TV Stick 4K.

Watching on Web Browsers

As long as you have an internet connection, you can stream UFC on ESPN.com from any desktop or laptop computer. Use Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Safari to go to ESPN.com and log in to access live streaming and replays.

Make sure to enable flash in your browser settings. An ethernet connection is ideal for the best playback experience.

Additional ESPN+ UFC Content

Beyond live Fight Night events, an ESPN+ subscription unlocks a vast library of additional UFC content:

• Replays of recent UFC Fight Night and PPV events
• Classic fights and events from UFC archives
• Original UFC programming like Dana White’s Contender Series
• UFC-themed versions of ESPN shows like Detail
• Extensive offerings of UFC movies, documentaries, and compilations

With over 1,000 hours of on-demand UFC programming, ESPN+ is a must-have for MMA fans looking to watch classic fights or rewatch recent pay-per-views and Fight Nights. New content is added regularly.

Different Content on UFC Fight Pass

Although ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass both feature UFC libraries, their content offerings don’t completely overlap. Fight Pass includes international events and martial arts promotions not covered on ESPN+. Diehard fans may want both services, but most can get by with just ESPN+.

Is It Worth Getting ESPN+ for UFC Events?

For UFC fans in the United States, ESPN+ is definitely worth the $9.99 monthly fee. You get live access to UFC Fight Night prelims and select main cards throughout the year. ESPN+ is especially valuable compared to spending $74.99 or more on each UFC PPV event.

The downside is that some Fight Night main cards still air exclusively on ESPN’s cable channels. Out of 12 UFC events per year, expect 8-10 main cards to be on ESPN+.

Occasional blackouts on cable can be frustrating, but ultimately ESPN+ remains the most affordable way to stream live UFC fights without expensive PPV fees. An ESPN+ subscription also unlocks a huge library of UFC content and other live sports.

Conclusion

Although some UFC Fight Night main cards still air on ESPN’s cable channels, ESPN+ includes extensive live UFC prelims, select main cards, and a vast on-demand library. For $9.99 per month, it’s the clear choice for budget-conscious UFC fans who want regular live event access without breaking the bank on PPVs.