For fans craving high‑octane mixed‑martial‑arts action, ESPN stands as the primary destination. The network secures rights to air the premier events, delivering every knockout and submission directly to your screen.
Live coverage begins with the opening round and continues through the main card, ensuring you never miss a decisive moment. Prime‑time slots make it convenient to follow the drama as it unfolds.
Subscribers of the streaming platform ESPN+ can also stream the contests on mobile devices, tablets, or smart TVs, offering flexibility beyond the traditional broadcast schedule.
International viewers may find the action on affiliated partners such as BT Sport in the UK or TSN in Canada, each providing localized commentary and schedule adjustments.
Stay updated with the official ESPN schedule to plan your viewing around the most anticipated matchups and avoid any scheduling surprises.
Current U.S. Cable Networks Carrying UFC Events
If you want the main card live, set the dial to ESPN; the network delivers the marquee matchups every Saturday.
ESPN2 serves as a reliable backup, often showcasing preliminary bouts and special weekend events when the primary outlet is occupied.
The ESPN+ platform expands coverage, providing exclusive access to pay‑per‑view spectacles and additional undercard action for subscribers.
Spanish‑speaking audiences can turn to ESPN Deportes, which mirrors the English schedule with commentary in Spanish and localized promotions.
Major providers also offer a dedicated sports pay‑per‑view service, allowing viewers to purchase premium events directly through their cable packages.
Regional sports networks occasionally pick up high‑profile contests, especially when local fighters are featured on the card.
Schedule changes happen frequently, so checking the latest listings on the provider’s website ensures you won’t miss a single bout.
For the most seamless experience, verify that your subscription includes the necessary sports tier before the event night.
Streaming Platforms Offering Live UFC Broadcasts
Start with ESPN+ for immediate access to every main‑card event; the service streams in 1080p, includes a rewind feature, and works on most devices.
DAZN also carries the schedule, while Amazon Prime Video offers selected matchups for members, and the dedicated FightPass app streams the entire archive alongside current showings.
International fans can turn to services such as Viaplay in Scandinavia, GloboPlay in Brazil, or the local sports network’s OTT portal; many of these require a separate pay‑per‑view purchase, so verify the pricing before the night begins. Check your local time zone to avoid missing the opening bell, and remember to have a stable internet connection for the best experience.
Regional Sports Channels That Air UFC in Europe
If you're in Germany, the best choice is Sport1 for live MMA action. The station streams the main card and preliminary bouts each Saturday.
In the United Kingdom, BT Sport delivers weekly matchups, often paired with exclusive behind‑the‑scenes content. Subscribers can also catch replays on the on‑demand platform.
Nordic audiences turn to Viasat and the local service TV3, where Saturday evenings showcase high‑profile bouts from the promotion. In France, RMC Sport holds the rights to stream the events online and via its satellite feed, offering both live coverage and post‑event analysis.
Southern European fans can rely on Sky Italia and Movistar+ that provide comprehensive line‑ups throughout the season. Both services include pay‑per‑view options for premium cards.
Pay‑Per‑View Options for Exclusive UFC Matches
Buy the main card on the official ESPN+ streaming service for the most reliable access; the platform delivers the event in high definition without extra hardware.
Other viable routes include:
- Direct purchase through major satellite providers such as DirecTV or Dish, available via their online portals or phone lines.
- Regional sports networks that offer a one‑time PPV button on the interactive guide.
- International digital outlets like UFC Fight Pass, which stream the bout to viewers outside North America.
For fans who travel or reside abroad, a VPN‑enabled connection to the organization’s own streaming portal ensures uninterrupted viewing; many providers also bundle the event with a monthly subscription, reducing the per‑event cost. Be sure to verify the purchase window–most services open sales 48 hours before the start and close shortly after the final bell.
How to Find Local Listings for UFC on Broadcast TV
Open your TV guide app and type the name of the promotion to see the scheduled airtime in your area.
Most cable providers host an online schedule; log in, select the sport category, and look for the upcoming mixed‑martial‑arts event. If the portal offers a search bar, entering the event title will jump directly to the relevant slot, revealing the local station number and exact start time.
For antenna users, consult the free‑to‑air program guide:
- Visit the official website of the network that carries the combat series.
- Enter your zip code to generate a personalized lineup.
- Note the listed station number and any regional variations.
Finally, a quick phone call to your service’s customer support can confirm the details, ensuring you don’t miss the live action.
Changes to UFC Broadcasting Rights in 2026
Choose the new streaming service XPrime for live coverage of all 2026 events.
In 2026 the organization signed a three‑year agreement with XPrime, replacing the previous arrangement with FightNet. This deal grants exclusive rights to air every main card and preliminary bout across North America.
European audiences will see the action on EuroStream, that now holds the rights for both pay‑per‑view and free‑to‑air highlights. The partnership includes a dedicated app that sends push alerts before each showdown.
Latin American territories have been assigned to SudAm TV, offering a mix of traditional cable slots and online streaming, and also allows SudAm to produce localized commentary in Spanish and Portuguese.
Below is a summary of the main agreements effective from January 2026.
| Region | Platform | Coverage Type | Contract Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| North America | XPrime | Live events, replays | 3 years |
| Europe | EuroStream | Live, highlights | 3 years |
| Latin America | SudAm TV | Live, localized commentary | 3 years |
FAQ:
Which TV channel broadcasts UFC fights in the United States?
In the United States, UFC fights are primarily shown on ESPN and ESPN2. The ESPN+ streaming service also carries many events, and pay‑per‑view cards are sold through ESPN+ as well.
Are UFC events available on free‑to‑air television or only on paid services?
UFC does not appear on traditional free‑to‑air networks. Most fight nights require a cable or satellite package that includes ESPN, or a subscription to ESPN+. The biggest events, which are pay‑per‑view, must be purchased through ESPN+ and are not offered on free channels.
How can I watch UFC fights if I don’t have a cable subscription?
You can sign up for ESPN+ directly and stream the fights on a computer, smartphone, tablet, or compatible streaming device. For pay‑per‑view events, the purchase is made inside the ESPN+ app, and the fight can be watched live or later through the same platform. No additional hardware is required beyond an internet connection and a supported device.
Does the broadcast channel change for UFC pay‑per‑view events?
Pay‑per‑view UFC cards are not shown on the regular ESPN or ESPN2 channels. They are sold exclusively through ESPN+ as a separate purchase. After buying the event, you watch it within the ESPN+ app, which handles both live streaming and any re‑play options.