How to stream the UFC on ESPN and ESPN+. Guest post by Chris Brantner of Streaming Observer (@StreamingOb).
ESPN and UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) seem like a match made in heaven. ESPN, the major sports network in North America, broadcasts everything from soccer to College Football. So, naturally it would make sense that you find some MMA matches courtesy of UFC. However, until previously, many matches were broadcast on pay-per-view or required other channels to watch them.
Recently, ESPN struck a lucrative 5-year deal with UFC that will change everything. Among other things, the deal includes the rights to broadcast 30 UFC Fight Nights per year, with 10 of the main cards airing on ESPN. The remaining 20 will air on ESPN+ (free trial or subscription available here*). This is great news for UFC fans. Even better news may be that you don’t have to be stuck in a cable bill to watch UFC and other sports on ESPN. While ESPN+ will require its own subscription, you could easily sign up for ESPN+ and watch ESPN with a low-cost streaming service. The result would be all the UFC you want to watch at a price much lower than you might expect to pay if you had cable.
Watch Many Main UFC Title Fights on ESPN+
If you want to watch as much UFC action as possible, you’ll need access to both ESPN+ and ESPN. From the looks of how things will go, many of the main fights will occur on ESPN and the title matches will be broadcast on ESPN+. So, to get the most content both networks will be required. You won’t need cable to watch either service as ESPN+ is a standalone over-the-top streaming service and the ESPN app is available for both cable users and cord cutters using steaming services through TV Everywhere apps.
ESPN+
It should be noted that ESPN+ and ESPN are two totally different offerings. Signing up for ESPN+ will not give you access to ESPN networks, so you’ll need to have both if you want all of the UFC content available. ESPN+ offers thousands of hours of weekly sports events, commentary, and original shows. In addition to UFC, you’ll be able to watch Canadian Football, Grand Slam Tennis, PGA Golf, MLS (over 250 International matches), NHL, MLB, and much more. You’ll be able to watch ESPN+ on your mobile device or through many streaming devices. Cost is just $4.99 per month or $50 for the entire year. You can sign up for a subscription or a free trial in this link. (* This is an affiliate link from which SMW may receive a commission.)
Online Streaming Services
On the whole, streaming provides an opportunity for more flexibility and a greater level of content with less risk. As there are no contracts in any of the main streaming services, you’re free to adjust your package at will, including when or if you cancel the entire service. There are many options that will allow you to watch ESPN online, service options include:
Hulu with Live TV
- More than 50 live streaming channels are available
- Package starts at $40 a month with upgrades available
- Watch multiple ESPN Networks, local channels, TNT, USA, and others
- TV Everywhere access includes the WatchESPN app
- Works on most streaming devices
Sling TV
- More than 25 channels for $25 a month
- One of the cheapest ways to stream sports
- Package includes ESPN, TNT, AMC, and many others
- Add extra sports channels to your package for a few dollars
- Compatible with the WatchESPN app and others
DIRECTV NOW
- Packages with over 60 channels for $40
- Over 125 channels available in total with multiple ESPN networks included
- WatchESPN and other TV Everywhere apps are compatible
- Watch on most streaming and mobile devices
- A cloud-DVR and on-demand library are also included
PlayStation Vue
- Packages start with around 50 channels for $45/month
- Watch ESPN and other sports networks, plus movies, news, and more
- On-demand library and cloud-based DVR are included
- TV Everywhere app authentication is available for WatchESPN
- Available streaming devices include PS3/PS4, mobile devices, Apple TV, and others
Don’t Miss Another UFC Fight!
Gone are the days when it was necessary to have a cable subscription or pay-per-view to watch a UFC match. Now all you need is access to ESPN and ESPN+. The former can be utilized online or off with a cable or streaming subscription. ESPN+ will require a second subscription but will provide thousands of hours of content you won’t find anywhere else from the UFC and other sports. There’s no reason you can’t enjoy all of your favorite sports on the cheap by ditching your cable and getting set up with the right streaming service!
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