If you’ve watched UFC in the past, you know the rhythm: a massive numbered event is coming up, and somewhere in the promotional push, you’re reminded to buy the pay-per-view. That’s been the model for decades — via ESPN+ in recent years, and cable and satellite long before that. But now that’s all history.
As of this year, UFC events in the United States are pay-per-view no more. Every UFC numbered event, every UFC Fight Night streams live and on demand on Paramount+, with select marquee events simulcast on CBS.
For fight fans, this means no more $79.99 PPV charges, no more jumping between apps, and no more juggling log-ins and last-minute purchases. It’s a structured shift powered by a deal that brings the entire UFC calendar under one roof: Paramount+.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about watching UFC on Paramount+ in 2026 – and not watching UFC on pay-per-view.
Is UFC pay-per-view in 2026?
No. UFC is not pay-per-view in 2026. As of this year, and the start of the UFC-Paramount+ deal, every UFC numbered event and every UFC Fight Night streams on Paramount+ with an active Paramount+ subscription – any tier, and on either a monthly or annual plan. There is no upsell or extra charge to watch live every UFC numbered event and UFC Fight Night live and on demand.
Where to watch UFC in 2026 in the U.S.
In 2026, you can watch UFC in the U.S. on Paramount+. Every UFC numbered event and every UFC Fight Night streams with an active Paramount+ subscription. Additionally, select UFC numbered events will be simulcast on CBS.
How to Stream UFC on Paramount+
You can stream UFC action live and on demand on Paramount+. Here’s the breakdown:
UFC in 2026 in the U.S.
- Streaming: Paramount+
- Events: All 2026 UFC events – 13 numbered events, and 30 UFC Fight Nights
- Live streaming? Yes
- On-demand streaming? Yes
- Pay-per-view? No
- FYI: Paramount+ subscription required
- Paramount+ plans & pricing:
- Paramount+ Essential plan
- Price: $8.99/month* or $89.99/year*
- Ads or no ads? Ads.
- What you get: 40,000 episodes and movies on demand, including hit CBS shows, Paramount+ original series, and select SHOWTIME® titles, plus live sports, including UFC, Zuffa Boxing, UEFA Champions League, and NFL on CBS football games**.
- Paramount+ Premium plan
- Price: $13.99/month* or $139.99/year*
- Ads or no ads? No ads***.
- What you get: Everything the Essential plan offers, including UFC, plus access to your local, live CBS station, all SHOWTIME® shows and movies on the service.
- Paramount+ Essential plan
- Devices supported: TVs and devices compatible with the Paramount+ app. Visit the Paramount+ Help Center for the list of supported devices.
- Broadcast:
- Select major events will simulcast live on CBS, available free over the air with a digital antenna
Check out the UFC 2026 schedule, for a running, live list of all upcoming UFC fights.
*Plus applicable taxes. Prices current as of publication.
**Please note that the Paramount+ Essential plan does not include your local live CBS station. NFL games vary by market. Please check your local listings.
***Plans include trailers & sponsorship (or similar). Live TV has ads and is subject to availability.
How to watch UFC live on CBS in 2026
Select fights from select UFC numbered events will air live on CBS in 2026, giving fans a cable-free, streaming-free option.
When scheduled, you can watch UFC live on your local CBS TV station using:
- an over-the-air antenna (free-TV option);
- a cable, satellite or live-TV streaming package that include CBS;
- and, a Paramount+ subscription to the Paramount+ Premium plan, which offers access to the feed of your live, local CBS station
Do I need cable to watch UFC in 2026?
No. You do not need cable to watch UFC in 2026. UFC events stream on Paramount+, and/or select fights air live on your local CBS TV station.
What happened to ESPN+ and PPV?
ESPN/ESPN+ presented its final UFC event in the U.S. in 2025. Starting Jan. 1, 2026, Paramount+ became the streaming home of UFC events. The Paramount+-UFC deal ended pay-per-view for UFC fights.
Where do I watch prelims?
You can watch prelims for UFC events on Paramount+ with an active Paramount+ subscription. UFC on Paramount+ streams full fight cards, from the early prelims to the main card, in one place. Every numbered UFC event and every UFC Fight Night streams live and on demand.
Where do I watch Fight Nights?
You can watch every UFC Fight Night on Paramount+ with an active Paramount+ subscription. Paramount+ presents full fight card UFC Fight Night action, live and on demand.
Can I watch UFC replays?
Yes. You can watch UFC replays on Paramount+. As of 2026, every UFC numbered event and every UFC Fight Night streams live and on demand on Paramount+.
Is the Paramount+ UFC deal U.S. only?
No. The Paramount+ UFC deal is not for the U.S. market only. In Latin America, UFC numbered events and UFC Fight Nights stream on Paramount+. In Australia, UFC Fight Night events, plus the prelims for UFC numbered events, stream on Paramount+.