Let’s be honest — being a hardcore UFC fan shouldn’t require a spreadsheet, a second mortgage, or a PhD in global streaming laws. But here we are. Depending on where you live, watching UFC fights can cost anywhere from five bucks a month… to over $1,100 a year.
And that’s not even the craziest part.
In 2025, UFC’s global broadcasting is a complete mess — a patchwork of exclusive deals, blackout restrictions, overpriced pay-per-views (PPVs), and weird regional quirks that make it nearly impossible to just watch the fights without jumping through hoops.
So I decided to write the most detailed, real-world, no-BS guide to watching UFC from anywhere. Whether you’re in the US, Europe, Australia, or traveling with your laptop in Bali — this guide breaks down what works, what’s worth it, and how to get full access without going broke.
Why It’s So Damn Complicated
Here’s the simple reason: UFC makes more money by selling exclusive broadcast rights in each country. That means if ESPN buys the rights in the US, the UFC literally can’t stream fights directly to you — even on their own platform (UFC Fight Pass). They have to block it, because that’s what ESPN paid for.
This model maximizes UFC’s profits — but it sucks for fans.
Let’s say you’re in the US. You pay for ESPN+ ($11.99/month), and still have to shell out $79.99 for every PPV main card. Meanwhile, your buddy in the UK watches the same event as part of their regular discovery+ sports bundle.
Fair? Not even close.
UFC Events: Fight Nights vs. Numbered PPVs
Not all UFC cards are created equal. Here’s how it’s split:
Fight Nights
These happen almost every weekend. They feature rising stars, veterans, and solid matchups. In most countries, these are included in your basic sports subscription — like ESPN+ in the US or DAZN in Germany.
Numbered PPVs (e.g. UFC 320, 321…)
These are the big ones — main cards with title fights, stars like Islam Makhachev, Sean O’Malley, Jon Jones (if he ever comes back), and more. In markets like the US, Canada, and Australia, you pay extra for these. In other regions? They’re included in regular subscriptions. Wild, right?
Here’s what it costs to be a loyal fan in the U.S. right now:
- ESPN+ subscription: $11.99/month
- PPVs: $79.99 × ~13 per year
👉 Total = $1,183.75/year
Ouch.
But wait — a massive change is coming.
The Gamechanger: UFC’s Paramount+ Deal (Starting 2026 in the U.S.)
Starting in 2026, UFC PPVs will no longer be pay-per-view in the U.S. UFC signed a $7.7 billion deal with Paramount, and all events will be included in a Paramount+ subscription.
That means:
- No more $79.99-per-event charges
- Everything on one platform
- Cost drops from $1,100+ per year to just $96/year
It’s huge. But until then, the U.S. remains the most expensive country on the planet to watch UFC legally. (Unless you use the VPN trick — we’ll get there.)
UFC Broadcasters Around the World (2025 Snapshot)
Here’s a quick look at who shows UFC where — and how much it costs per month.
| Region | Broadcaster(s) | Monthly Cost | PPV Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | ESPN+ | $11.99 | $79.99 |
| 🇬🇧 UK | TNT Sports / discovery+ | ~$43 | Included |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | Sportsnet / TVA Sports | ~$21.80 | ~$51 |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | Kayo / Foxtel / Main Event | ~$20 | ~$39.50 |
| 🇧🇷 Brazil | UFC Fight Pass | ~$5 | Included |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | DAZN | ~$27 | Included |
Now let’s break that down in more detail.
United States: ESPN+ Until 2026
- Provider: ESPN+ (exclusive until end of 2025)
- Cost: $11.99/month + $79.99 per PPV
- Extras: Includes Dana White’s Contender Series, early prelims, and replays
- PPV model: Painful. There’s no way around it (yet).
💡 If you only watch a few PPVs a year, it might be tolerable. But if you want full access every month? You’ll spend over $1,000 easily.
United Kingdom: TNT Sports & Discovery+
- Provider: TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport) via discovery+
- Cost: £33.99/month (roughly $43 USD)
- PPV model: Nope. All included.
- Catch: Main cards usually start at 3–5 a.m. UK time because of time zones
✅ Honestly? The UK is one of the best-value markets for UFC fans.
Canada: Sportsnet + TVA Sports
- Provider: Sportsnet (English), TVA Sports (French)
- Cost: ~$29.99 CAD/month (~$21.80 USD)
- PPV model: Still active — $69.99 CAD per event (~$51 USD)
- Bottom line: Almost as pricey as the U.S., but at least you get both languages.
Australia & New Zealand: Kayo + Main Event Combo
- Providers: ESPN for prelims + Kayo Sports or Foxtel for Fight Nights + Main Event for PPV
- Cost: ~$20/month for Kayo + $59.95 AUD ($39.50 USD) per PPV
- Quirk: You can buy the PPV without a Kayo subscription if you want to watch one event only
- Catch: It’s fragmented. You need multiple services if you want everything.
Brazil: The Best Deal in the World
- Provider: UFC Fight Pass (direct-to-consumer)
- Cost: R$24.90 (~$5 USD/month)
- PPV model: Included in base subscription
- Catch: You need a Brazilian IP address to get this deal — which is where VPN comes in (more below).
✅ Best value on Earth — no joke.
Germany, Austria & Switzerland (DACH): DAZN
- Provider: DAZN (exclusive through 2027)
- Cost: €24.99–34.99/month (~$27–38 USD)
- PPV model: All included
- Bonus: Includes Bundesliga and Champions League on higher-tier plans
✅ Another top-value region if you’re based in Europe.
UFC Fight Pass — Awesome… with One Big Catch
Let me be clear — UFC Fight Pass is one of the best sports streaming platforms out there. Not only do you get access to tons of live content, but the fight archive is unmatched. We’re talking:
- Every UFC event since the ‘90s
- Full libraries from PRIDE FC, Strikeforce, WEC
- Live events from smaller global promotions
- Original shows, behind-the-scenes stuff, all seasons of The Ultimate Fighter
If you’re a fight nerd like me, it’s a goldmine.
But here’s the catch: blackouts.
If you’re in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, or any country where the UFC has a big-money TV deal, Fight Pass will block live PPV access. You’ll still get early prelims and archived content, but if you try to stream the main card? You’ll get a “broadcast restrictions” message.
Basically, your location determines what Fight Pass gives you.
So if you live in Brazil? You get everything — live and on-demand — for 5 bucks a month.
If you live in the U.S.? You pay $10/month and still have to drop $80 for every big card.
Sound fair? Yeah, no.
How to Unlock UFC PPVs with a VPN (Legally)
Here’s where the magic happens. With a solid VPN, you can make it look like you’re in Brazil (or another cheaper country) — even if you’re sitting on your couch in Chicago, Sydney, or Munich.
What’s a VPN?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) routes your internet traffic through a secure server in another country. It hides your real location and gives you an IP address from, say, São Paulo.
Streaming sites — including UFC Fight Pass — will think you’re in Brazil. Boom. You unlock the full library, including PPV main cards, at the Brazilian price.
Is this legal?
Yes — using a VPN is 100% legal in almost every country (including the U.S.). You’re paying for the service. You’re not pirating anything. The UFC might not love it, and technically it may violate terms of service, but you’re paying them, not stealing.
The Brazil Strategy — Full UFC Access for ~$5/Month
Here’s why Brazil is the best country to use with a VPN for UFC:
- Fight Pass costs R$24.90 (~$5 USD) per month
- Includes all Fight Nights + PPV main cards live
- No blackouts, no geo-blocking, no BS
Let’s break it down:
| Method | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| U.S. ESPN+ + PPVs | $11.99 × 12 + $79.99 × 13 = $1,183.75 |
| Brazil Fight Pass (via VPN) | $5 × 12 = $60 |
That’s a $1,100+ difference per year.
Step-by-Step: How to Set This Up
This is easier than you think. Here’s exactly how to do it.
1. Choose a Good VPN
You need a VPN with:
- Reliable Brazil servers
- Fast speeds (no buffering mid-fight)
- Proven ability to unblock streaming sites
👉 Recommended VPNs:
| VPN Provider | 2-Year Plan | Brazil Servers | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | $3.09/month | Yes (20+) | Fast NordLynx protocol, great streaming speeds |
| Surfshark | $1.99/month | Yes | Unlimited devices, budget-friendly |
| ExpressVPN | $3.49/month | Yes | Super easy apps, great for beginners |
All of them come with 30-day money-back guarantees. No risk.
2. Install the VPN App
Download it to the device you want to watch on — phone, tablet, smart TV, laptop, Firestick, whatever.
3. Connect to Brazil
Open the app, choose a server in São Paulo or Rio. Hit “Connect”.
4. Go to UFC Fight Pass
Visit the UFC site — you should now see prices in Brazilian Reais (R$). If not, clear cookies and try again.
5. Create a New Account
You might need a Google or Apple ID set to Brazil, depending on your device. Also, make sure your payment method works internationally (PayPal, some debit/credit cards, or app store billing).
6. Watch Everything — Live
As long as you stay connected to the Brazil server, you can watch every UFC event — Fight Nights, PPVs, everything — in real time.
No PPV purchases. No extra fees. Just fights.
What If You Prefer Watching in Bars?
Totally fair. Watching UFC in a packed sports bar hits different — especially during big fights like Conor McGregor, Israel Adesanya, or when title belts are on the line.
How to Find a Bar That Shows UFC
- Use the official UFC Bar Finder: ufc.com/bars
- Or call local chains like:
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- Hooters
- Twin Peaks
- Dave & Buster’s
Most of them show big PPVs. Some might charge a cover, so call ahead.
Just remember — food, drinks, tips, and transport = not always cheaper than a VPN + Fight Pass.
Don’t Mess with Illegal Streams (Seriously)
I get it. Free streams are tempting. But here’s the real cost:
- Malware & viruses: One sketchy stream and your laptop’s cooked
- Phishing scams: Fake logins = stolen accounts
- Explicit ads: Not exactly family-friendly
- Laggy garbage quality: Buffering every 10 seconds isn’t worth it
And let’s be honest — you’re not supporting the sport or the fighters when you stream illegally.
With the Brazil VPN method, you do support the UFC — just smarter and cheaper.
Final Recommendations — What Kind of Fan Are You?
Here’s the move, depending on your vibe:
🧢 The Casual Fan (U.S.)
Stick with ESPN+ and just buy 2–3 big PPVs per year. Or wait for the Paramount+ deal in 2026 to make everything easier and cheaper.
🎉 The Social Fan
Hit up a bar with friends. Use UFC Bar Finder or find a sports pub that regularly shows fights. Great atmosphere, but not always cheap.
🧠 The Smart Global Fan (You)
Get a good VPN. Use the Brazil method. Pay $5/month. Watch every event live. Save over $1,100/year.
UFC Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive. You Just Need the Right Tools.
At the end of the day, UFC is supposed to be fun. Watching fights shouldn’t feel like doing your taxes.
With a little setup — and a solid VPN — you can get the best deal on the planet, watch every fight legally, and stick it to the overpriced PPV system.
✅ You pay less, You get more and don’t miss a single punch.
FAQs
Can I watch UFC PPVs without paying $80 each time?
Yes — by using a VPN and subscribing to UFC Fight Pass in Brazil, you can unlock full PPV access legally for around $5/month.
Is it legal to use a VPN to watch UFC from another country?
Using a VPN is legal in most countries. You’re still paying for the service — you’re just choosing where you access it from.
Does UFC Fight Pass include live PPV events?
Only in certain countries. In places like Brazil, PPVs are included. But in the U.S., U.K., and others, they’re blacked out unless you use a VPN.
What’s the best VPN for watching UFC fights?
Top VPNs for UFC streaming include NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN — all offer fast servers in Brazil and excellent streaming performance.
Can I use UFC Fight Pass on multiple devices?
Yes — UFC Fight Pass works on phones, tablets, smart TVs, and laptops. Just make sure your VPN is active and connected to the right country before you launch it.
