The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is the premier organization for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) worldwide. Its events draw millions of viewers, whether they’re casual fans or die-hard enthusiasts. With the rise of streaming services and various broadcasting options, knowing where to watch UFC events is more important than ever. If you’re wondering, “What channel is UFC on tonight”. This guide will provide you with all the essential details, including the major networks, streaming platforms, and what to expect from tonight’s event.
Introduction to UFC and Its Broadcast Reach
The UFC is a global leader in MMA, showcasing the best fighters in the sport in thrilling bouts that often have fans on the edge of their seats. The promotion hosts events nearly every month, with some taking place at large-scale venues like the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas or in international locations such as Abu Dhabi.
UFC events are broadcasted across the world, with different countries and regions having exclusive broadcasting deals. As MMA grows in popularity, more fans are interested in catching UFC events live. This growing fan base has resulted in UFC broadcasts being available through both traditional TV channels and modern streaming platforms, providing fans with multiple ways to watch their favorite fighters in action.
Key Broadcasting Channels for UFC Events
While UFC events can be broadcasted globally, the primary channels vary based on location. Below are some of the most important networks where you can watch UFC events, including both regular television channels and popular streaming services.
ESPN (USA): In the United States, ESPN has become the go-to network for UFC broadcasts. Since 2019, ESPN has held exclusive rights to air UFC content. This includes pay-per-view (PPV) events, Fight Nights, and pre-fight coverage. UFC fans in the US can watch major events on ESPN’s linear cable channel and the ESPN+ streaming service.
ESPN+: If you’re watching UFC on ESPN+, you get access to live events, including exclusive PPV bouts that require a subscription to the service. UFC PPV events are sold separately on ESPN+ at a premium cost.
ESPN Cable Network: For standard UFC Fight Nights, fans can watch on ESPN’s cable network with the appropriate channel subscription.
UFC Fight Pass (Worldwide): UFC Fight Pass is the official streaming service for the UFC, offering fans a comprehensive catalog of live and on-demand MMA content. This service is available worldwide and provides access to exclusive Fight Night events, original programming, past fights, and a ton of other MMA-related content. UFC Fight Pass is ideal for hardcore MMA fans looking for more than just the mainstream events. Fans can access Fight Pass for a monthly subscription, which gives them the flexibility to watch events from anywhere around the world. It is an important service for international fans who may not have access to ESPN or other networks.
BT Sport (United Kingdom): In the United Kingdom, BT Sport holds the rights to air UFC events. BT Sport covers both the Fight Night cards and the larger PPV events, bringing exclusive access to UFC shows for UK fans. The channel has a dedicated MMA section, and UFC broadcasts are accompanied by expert commentary, post-fight analysis, and exclusive interviews.
BT Sport Box Office: Similar to ESPN in the United States, BT Sport offers PPV events via BT Sport Box Office, where fans can pay an additional fee to watch UFC PPV events live.
BT Sport TV: For regular Fight Night events, fans can watch on BT Sport TV if they have a cable subscription or stream it live on BT Sport’s online platform.
Kayo Sports (Australia): Kayo Sports is a popular streaming service in Australia that offers live and on-demand UFC events. The service provides coverage of major events, including the UFC’s biggest pay-per-view matches. Kayo is known for offering high-definition streams and a comprehensive sports catalog, making it a great choice for Australian UFC fans. In addition to live events, Kayo also offers UFC documentaries, highlights, and access to exclusive content from UFC Fight Pass.
DAZN (Germany, Italy, Japan): DAZN is another streaming platform that broadcasts UFC events in select countries such as Germany, Italy, and Japan. It is known for its affordable subscription plans and the convenience of watching sports content on various devices. For European and Asian fans, DAZN offers comprehensive UFC coverage, including both Fight Nights and PPV events. DAZN provides live streaming of the events along with on-demand content, so users can watch UFC matches whenever it’s convenient for them.
FOX Sports (Australia): In Australia, some UFC events are still broadcast on FOX Sports. It’s worth noting that FOX Sports is not the primary broadcaster of UFC anymore, as Kayo Sports and UFC Fight Pass have taken over the broadcasting rights. However, FOX Sports is still a reliable option for watching some UFC content on TV.
Canal+ (France): Canal+ is a premium French TV channel that broadcasts UFC events. In France, Canal+ holds the exclusive rights to UFC programming, including PPV events. Fans can subscribe to the Canal+ Sport package, which provides comprehensive UFC coverage, including live streaming of events and pre- and post-event shows.
TSN (Canada): In Canada, UFC events are broadcast on TSN, with UFC Fight Night events regularly airing on their cable channels. For PPV events, fans can either access them via TSN’s PPV platform or subscribe to UFC Fight Pass for a streaming option.
When is the UFC Event Tonight?
UFC events, particularly pay-per-view events, often take place on weekends. UFC Fight Nights may be scheduled during the week. Here are some general times to expect for tonight’s event:
Prelims: Prelims generally begin around 6:00 PM ET for PPV events and earlier for Fight Nights.
Main Card: The main card typically kicks off at around 8:00 PM ET for UFC events, although start times may vary slightly depending on location and event.
Post-Fight Coverage: After the main event, there will often be post-fight analysis, interviews, and replays, all of which can be watched via ESPN+ or the respective network.
Subscription and Cost Considerations
To access UFC events, fans should be aware of the costs involved:
PPV Events: Pay-per-view events are often the highlight of the UFC calendar and require an additional purchase beyond a regular subscription. The cost for a PPV event can range from $69.99 to $74.99 in the US, depending on the event.
Streaming Services: Subscription services like ESPN+ (in the US), BT Sport (in the UK), and Kayo Sports (in Australia) typically offer packages that include a monthly fee for access to all regular UFC programming. These services also offer live streaming and on-demand access to past events.
How to Watch UFC Free Online
While most major UFC events require a paid subscription or PPV purchase, some UFC content is available for free. For example:
YouTube: The UFC’s official YouTube channel often posts fight highlights, interviews, and some free content related to UFC events.
Social Media: UFC’s official social media channels, including Twitter and Instagram, provide access to clips, behind-the-scenes footage, and other live event coverage.
ESPN: In some cases, ESPN may air limited UFC content on its cable channels, which can be viewed for free with a cable subscription.
UFC Viewing Parties and Where to Watch in Your Area
If you prefer to watch UFC events in a lively social setting, you can also check local sports bars, pubs, or entertainment venues that host UFC viewing parties. These venues often show the fights on big screens, making it a great way to experience the action with fellow fans. Many venues require reservations for PPV events, so it’s recommended to book in advance.
Why UFC Fans Are Turning to Streaming Services
The rise of streaming services has made it easier than ever for UFC fans to watch events from the comfort of their homes or on-the-go. Services like ESPN+, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, and Kayo Sports offer a more flexible, user-friendly way to watch UFC events compared to traditional cable networks. Additionally, streaming services often offer lower subscription fees and give users the option to cancel anytime, making it a more affordable choice for some fans.
FAQs
What channel is UFC on tonight?
The channel showing UFC events typically depends on your location and the type of event. For fans in the U.S., UFC events are generally broadcast on ESPN, ESPN+, and UFC Fight Pass. Pay-per-view events, such as UFC pay-per-views (PPVs), are available on ESPN+. In the UK, UFC events can be found on BT Sport, while Main Event on Foxtel shows them in Australia.
How do I watch UFC on ESPN?
To watch UFC events on ESPN, you will need a subscription to ESPN+, the service that holds exclusive streaming rights to UFC content in the United States. You can stream fights live and access UFC-specific programming through ESPN’s digital platforms, including the ESPN app and website.
What time does UFC start tonight?
The start times for UFC events can vary based on the location of the event and the type of card. The main card usually begins around 10 PM ET for U.S. events, while the preliminary fights often start at 8 PM ET. It’s always best to check the specific event time, as these can shift depending on the time zone.
How do I watch UFC PPV tonight?
UFC Pay-Per-View events can be streamed live through ESPN+. You will need to purchase the event separately, which is usually priced at around $75 for a standard PPV. For an all-in-one option, you can subscribe to an ESPN+ bundle (which includes UFC PPV access) or purchase a UFC PPV fight directly on your streaming device.
What is the UFC Fight Pass?
UFC Fight Pass is the UFC’s streaming service that gives you access to a massive library of past fights, exclusive content, live events (such as certain international events), and documentaries. It’s ideal for UFC superfans who want to explore past matches and get exclusive access to some niche events not shown on mainstream platforms.
In Summary
Watching UFC events depends on where you live and which platform holds the broadcasting rights. In the U.S., ESPN and ESPN+ are the primary broadcasters, while international fans can tune in via BT Sport (UK), Main Event (Australia), DAZN (Canada, Germany, Japan), and UFC Fight Pass (global). For major Pay-Per-View (PPV) events, an ESPN+ subscription is required in the U.S.
If you’re looking for free content, some preliminary fights may be available on ESPN or YouTube, but main events usually require a paid subscription or PPV purchase. UFC Fight Pass offers extensive archives and exclusive content for hardcore fans. To ensure you don’t miss any UFC action, check the official UFC website, your local TV listings, or streaming platforms to find out where and when tonight’s event is airing. If you’re facing issues, confirm your subscription details and explore alternative streaming services.
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