What networks or streaming services do I need to watch MMA?

Here are the core TV networks and streaming services an MMA fan needs to stay up-to-date an all the fights around the world.

There was a time in the not-so-distant past when being an MMA fan required some real work. Just to see replays of events, the hardest of hardcore fans passed around bootleg VHS tapes of UFC and Pride fights, creating homemade copies of these fights for safekeeping.

Thankfully, things have changed. The modern MMA fan has access to essentially every major MMA fight ever, old or live, at his or her fingertips. Still, it can take some searching, with various MMA promotions scattering their fights across a handful of TV networks and streaming services. To simplify the search, here are the major networks and streaming services every MMA fan needs.

ESPN+

In 2018, ESPN announced it had acquired the exclusive rights to broadcast the UFC. Since that deal became effective in 2019, it has been clear that the UFC plays a major role in promoting ESPN’s streaming service, ESPN+.

Every UFC event has at least some fights airing on ESPN+, and the vast majority of “fight night” cards air exclusively on the platform. Additionally, an ESPN+ subscription is required to order any UFC pay-per-view event. The service also boasts a massive catalog of past UFC fights that can be watched at any time.

ESPN/ESPN 2

ESPN airs fewer live UFC fights on its flagship TV networks than it does on ESPN+, but several live UFC events a year air on “big” ESPN, and a handful of preliminary bouts air on ESPN 2.

Beyond just the UFC, the Professional Fighters League has partnered with ESPN to air its regular season and playoff bouts. PFL events typically on off nights for the UFC or Bellator and can scratch the MMA fan’s itch during the workweek.

UFC Fight Pass

In addition to the entire Zuffa-owned fight library (which includes all fights from the UFC, Pride, WEC, Strikeforce, and Affliction), UFC Fight Pass is home to a number of current MMA promotions. For the fan interested in up-and-coming prospects, Fight Pass is a must. Dana White’s Contender Series, Invicta FC, LFA, CES MMA, Cage Warriors, Titan FC and more all air live fights on the streaming service.

DAZN

Perhaps better known as a platform for boxing, DAZN (pronounced duh-zone) carries plenty of high-level MMA, as well. Most notably, nearly all Bellator fights stream live on DAZN. Beyond Bellator, DAZN airs a number of international MMA promotions, including the Poland-based KSW, the Korean Road FC, and the Russian Fight Nights Global.

Paramount Network

If fans don’t want to commit to a DAZN subscription, most basic cable packages include the Paramount Network. Formerly Spike TV, Paramount Network is the home for Bellator in North America.

AXS TV

AXS TV is a specialty TV channel that is available nationwide in the US. Importantly, for MMA fans, it is home to Combate Americas, the rapidly growing MMA promotion that is looking to corner the Latin American MMA market (if it hasn’t already done so).

Fite TV

As the name would suggest, Fite TV is a streaming service that specializes in all things combat sports. In terms of MMA, Fite TV streams Rizin FF, a Japanese promotion that brings huge production values to creative matchmaking. In addition, Fite TV carries plenty of smaller regional MMA promotions that typically offer live events for a small pay-per-view fee.