UFC on Paramount+: The End of PPV Fees Explained
In a historic shift, the UFC has left ESPN and dropped the Pay-Per-View model. Here is how to watch every fight card in 2026 for a flat monthly fee.
Quick list
- Platform: Paramount+ (Exclusive).
- PPV Cost: $0 (Included in subscription).
- Annual Cost: ~$100/year (vs $1,000+ under old model).
- Prelims: Also on Paramount+ (No cable required).
Introduction
For decades, being a UFC fan meant shelling out $80 every month for a Pay-Per-View (PPV) card on top of your subscription. In 2026, that era is dead. The UFC has signed a monumental 7-year deal with Paramount+, effectively killing the PPV model for numbered events.
This is arguably the best news for combat sports fans in history. But how does it work, and is there a catch?
Quick Summary: The New Deal
- Platform: Paramount+ (Exclusive).
- PPV Cost: $0 (Included in subscription).
- Annual Cost: ~$100/year (vs $1,000+ under old model).
- Prelims: Also on Paramount+ (No cable required).
Why the Shift?
The UFC has moved from a transactional model to a subscriber acquisition model. Paramount Global is betting that exclusive access to UFC 324 and beyond will drive millions of subscribers to their platform. For fans, it's a steal. You get the NFL on CBS, Champions League Soccer, and every UFC fight for one price.
Subscription Tiers
To watch the fights, you generally need the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan (approx. $12.99/mo). The ad-supported 'Essential' plan ($7.99/mo) may include Fight Nights but typically restricts the marquee 'Numbered' events. Even at the premium tier, it is cheaper than buying two PPVs a year.
What About 'Fight Pass'?
UFC Fight Pass still exists, but it has reverted to a library service for classic fights and smaller regional promotions (LFA, Cage Warriors). You do not need Fight Pass to watch live UFC events anymore.
| Feature | Old Era (ESPN+) | New Era (Paramount+) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Sub | $11.99 | $12.99 |
| PPV Cost | $79.99/event | $0/event |
| Total Yearly Cost | ~$1,200 | ~$160 |
FAQ
Are there ANY blackouts?
No. Paramount+ has global rights in many territories, but in the US, it is fully exclusive. No cable login needed.
Can I watch replays?
Yes. Full fight cards are available on-demand immediately after the broadcast concludes.
Conclusion
The barrier to entry for MMA has never been lower. If you stopped watching UFC because of the cost, 2026 is the year to come back.
Ready to watch? Sign up for the Paramount+ bundle here.
Discussion
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