Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) continue their explosive growth as one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide. Fans today want seamless, high-quality streaming options to watch their favorite fighters and events live or on-demand. Two prominent platforms dominate the digital UFC streaming space: UFC Fight Pass and ESPN+. Both offer compelling features but serve different kinds of UFC audiences.
This comprehensive 2025 guide compares UFC Fight Pass and ESPN+ to help fans decide which platform best suits their viewing preferences, budget, and needs.
Overview of UFC Fight Pass and ESPN+
UFC Fight Pass
UFC Fight Pass is the UFC’s official digital subscription service offering access to thousands of hours of live and on-demand combat sports content. It caters especially to hardcore MMA fans wanting complete access to fight libraries, early prelims, and exclusive events beyond the main UFC card.
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Subscription: $9.99/month or $95.99/year
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Content: Early prelim fights, archives, international MMA events, lesser-known fight promotions
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Availability: Limited live PPV events in certain regions; replays of main PPVs available later
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Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, smart TVs
ESPN+
ESPN+, a subsidiary of ESPN and Disney, holds exclusive broadcasting rights for UFC in the United States. It is the primary platform for viewing live UFC Fight Nights, main cards, and PPV events (with additional purchase).
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Subscription: $11.99/month or $119.99/year
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Content: All live UFC Fight Night events, prelims, main cards, PPV access (extra cost)
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Availability: Broad US audience reach, integrated with ESPN’s sports ecosystem
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Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, smart TVs, gaming consoles
Content and Coverage Comparison
UFC Fight Pass
Fight Pass boasts a vast library of over 15,000 fights dating back decades, catering to fans interested in viewing classic matchups and in-depth MMA history. It also streams early prelims live for many UFC events, which ESPN+ often doesn’t cover.
Exclusive content such as international MMA promotions (e.g., Invicta FC, Pancrase) adds to its appeal for hardcore fans seeking more niche combat sports.
However, main card PPV events are usually not available live on Fight Pass in the U.S.; however, users get access to replays about a month post-event.
ESPN+
ESPN+ offers all live UFC Fight Night events and main card prelims, with PPV events available for individual purchase on top of the subscription. For fans who want live access to every major UFC fight, ESPN+ remains the go-to platform.
ESPN+ also integrates exclusive UFC originals like documentaries, studio shows, and analysis programming, providing a broader fan experience.
Pricing and Value
| Platform | Cost | Content Access | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| UFC Fight Pass | $9.99/month or $95.99/year | Early prelims, fight archives, exclusive events | PPVs not on Fight Pass live in US; requires ESPN+ for live PPV access |
| ESPN+ | $11.99/month or $119.99/year | Live Fight Nights, main cards, PPVs (extra) | Purchase PPVs at $79.99 each |
For casual fans primarily interested in live UFC events and PPV access, ESPN+ provides a better all-in-one package despite incremental PPV costs. For die-hard enthusiasts, UFC Fight Pass offers the most comprehensive archives and prelim coverage at a slightly lower subscription price.
User Experience and Platforms
Both platforms offer apps on major devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs, but ESPN+ offers integration with gaming consoles such as PlayStation and Xbox out-of-the-box.
ESPN+ also supports simultaneous streaming on more devices compared to Fight Pass, favoring households with multiple viewers.
Interface-wise, ESPN+ has a slick, user-friendly experience optimized for live viewing, whereas UFC Fight Pass’s interface prioritizes library navigation and fight history with some room for improvement in live event streaming polish.
Regional Availability and Restrictions
UFC Fight Pass availability and live PPV rights vary globally. In many countries, Fight Pass is the only digital streaming option, providing live access to main cards and a rich library.
In the U.S., ESPN+ holds primary live broadcast rights, meaning Fight Pass users here must defer to ESPN+ for live PPVs. For international fans, Fight Pass often is the primary legal source to watch live UFC content online.
Which Is Best for You?
| Fan Type | Recommended Platform | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Casual Fans | ESPN+ | Offers live access to all UFC Fight Nights, main cards, and PPVs in one platform |
| Die-hard MMA Enthusiasts | UFC Fight Pass | Extensive archives, early prelims, and exclusive international fight content |
| Budget-Conscious Viewers | ESPN+ (with PPV bundles) | Good value bundles for PPV + subscription, widespread availability |
| International UFC Audience | UFC Fight Pass | Often the only legal live streaming choice outside the U.S. |
High Authority Resource for UFC Streaming
For official details on UFC Fight Pass subscription plans and ESPN+ UFC streaming, visit the official UFC website: UFC Official Streaming.
Read More: Crackstreams 2.0 vs Other Free Sports Streaming Platforms: A Comparison for 2025
Conclusion
Both UFC Fight Pass and ESPN+ provide valuable, yet distinct, services for UFC fans in 2025. ESPN+ excels with live event coverage for the mass market, including PPV offerings and a user-friendly interface bundled within the ESPN sports ecosystem. UFC Fight Pass caters to the hardcore fanbase craving extensive fight archives, early prelims, and international MMA exclusive content.
The best choice hinges on viewing priorities. For live access to the biggest fights and PPVs in the U.S., ESPN+ is unmatched. For dedicated MMA watchers wanting comprehensive fight libraries and prelim coverage, UFC Fight Pass is a must-have addition.
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