ESPN+ has cemented its place as the premier destination for sports streaming—especially for combat sports fans. From exclusive UFC Fight Nights to behind-the-scenes documentaries and high-profile pay-per-view (PPV) events, the platform has become an essential hub for mixed martial arts coverage. But as demand surges, cracks in the model—and the platform itself—are starting to show.
UFC on ESPN+: A Costly but Centralized Home
The UFC’s PPV events remain exclusive to ESPN+, with each marquee fight night priced at $79.99. Despite the steep cost, the platform continues to pull in significant viewership thanks to blockbuster bouts and a locked-in contract that makes ESPN+ the only legitimate destination for PPV fans in the U.S.
One of the biggest upcoming cards is UFC 317: Topuria vs. Oliveira, set to stream June 28, 2025, live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The event headlines a growing list of summer showdowns that fight fans won’t want to miss.
ESPN+ Promotions: Better Deals Ahead of UFC 317
For fans looking to save, ESPN+ is currently offering a limited-time promotion:
- $4.99/month for 3 months (normally $11.99/month)
- Offer available until June 20, 2025
There’s also a bundle offer where new users can get:
- A full year of ESPN+ ($119.99)
- One UFC PPV event ($79.99)
- Combined price: $134.98
This saves over 30% compared to buying the services separately.
These deals are being heavily marketed in advance of UFC 317 to boost subscriptions and cushion complaints about cost.
Technical Glitches Continue to Undermine Big Nights
While ESPN+ has the exclusive rights, the platform hasn’t always lived up to expectations during live events. During UFC 313, numerous fans were locked out of the stream despite paying for access. Social media lit up with frustration as viewers missed key moments due to buffering, errors, or failed logins.
These issues have sparked criticism and even driven some users toward unofficial streaming alternatives—a fact not lost on UFC insiders.
PPV Piracy and the Future of UFC Streaming
Even UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley addressed the elephant in the room. In a recent interview, he claimed that “about 90%” of fans don’t pay for PPV, calling the current model “dying.” His statement comes as the UFC’s media rights deal with ESPN nears expiration.
Behind the scenes, UFC is reportedly negotiating with Amazon, Netflix, and Warner Bros. Discovery for future broadcast and PPV distribution. Insiders say a split-rights model is on the table—where one platform may take PPV and another handles non-PPV content.
This shift could drastically change how fans access fights by 2026, potentially breaking the ESPN+ monopoly and allowing for broader access across multiple platforms.
Beyond the Octagon: Other PPV Content on ESPN+
ESPN+ is also home to premium boxing matches, PFL tournaments, and international sports coverage.
- PFL World Tournament 5 and UFC Atlanta streamed recently
- Upcoming boxing match: Normam vs. Sasaki (June 19)
This diverse slate makes ESPN+ a valuable subscription for fans of more than just MMA.
What’s Coming Up?
| Event | Platform | Date |
|---|---|---|
| UFC 317: Topuria vs Oliveira | ESPN+ PPV ($79.99) | June 28, 2025 |
| Normam vs Sasaki (Boxing) | ESPN+ | June 19, 2025 |
| New UFC Broadcast Deal? | Amazon, Netflix, ESPN (negotiations ongoing) | TBD |
Final Takeaways
- Current subscribers can take advantage of ESPN+ summer promos before June 20
- UFC 317 will be a major test of ESPN+’s reliability—and its PPV value
- The PPV model is under pressure, and changes could arrive sooner than fans expect
The fight world is watching closely as ESPN+, the UFC, and tech giants like Amazon and Netflix potentially redraw the map for how combat sports are delivered to fans. If you’re on the fence, this summer might be your last chance to catch UFC the way you know it now.
Key Takeaways
- ESPN+ is the exclusive streaming home for UFC pay-per-view events, currently priced at $79.99 per event.
- Technical issues during recent major events have frustrated subscribers and potentially driven some to seek alternative viewing options.
- The platform offers comprehensive coverage of upcoming fights like UFC 314, including pre-fight analysis and interviews.
Overview of ESPN Plus and Pay-Per-View Offerings
ESPN Plus offers sports fans access to live events, original shows, and exclusive content for $11.99 monthly or $119.99 annually. The service also functions as a platform for pay-per-view events, most notably UFC fights which require an additional fee.
ESPN Plus as a Streaming Platform
ESPN Plus serves as a digital streaming service dedicated to sports content. It costs $11.99 per month, or subscribers can save over 15% with an annual plan at $119.99. The platform delivers thousands of live sporting events that aren’t available on traditional ESPN channels.
Users access ESPN Plus through the ESPN app, which is available on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices. The service offers a wide variety of sports coverage including basketball, football, and college sports.
Unlike cable ESPN channels, ESPN Plus focuses on providing complementary content rather than mirroring what’s on television. This includes exclusive original shows, documentaries, and analysis programs created specifically for the platform.
Integration with Disney Bundle and Hulu
ESPN Plus can be purchased as a standalone service or as part of the Disney Bundle. The bundle combines ESPN Plus with Disney+ and Hulu, offering viewers a comprehensive entertainment package at a discounted rate compared to purchasing each service separately.
This integration allows sports fans to access a broader range of content beyond just sports programming. The Disney Bundle creates a seamless entertainment experience where users can switch between sports on ESPN Plus, movies on Disney+, and TV shows on Hulu.
For sports enthusiasts who enjoy other forms of entertainment, the bundle represents a cost-effective solution. The integration also means shared account management and billing, making it convenient for users to maintain their subscriptions.
Key Features and Accessibility on Different Devices
ESPN Plus offers both HD and SD streaming options depending on the user’s internet connection and device capabilities. The service is accessible through the ESPN app on smart TVs, streaming devices like Roku and Amazon Fire TV, game consoles, smartphones, and tablets.
One key feature is the ability to purchase pay-per-view events directly through the platform. UFC PPV events cost $79.99 each for ESPN Plus subscribers. These special events require both an active ESPN Plus subscription and the additional PPV fee.
The platform supports simultaneous streaming on multiple devices, making it family-friendly. ESPN Plus also offers features like pause, rewind, and replay for live events, as well as downloadable content for offline viewing on mobile devices. These accessibility options ensure fans can watch their favorite sports wherever they are.
Highlighting Major Events and Partnerships
ESPN+ has established itself as a powerhouse for live sports streaming through strategic partnerships and exclusive broadcast rights. The platform continues to expand its offerings in combat sports while developing relationships with other major streaming services.
Coverage of Major UFC PPV Events
ESPN+ has become the exclusive home for UFC Pay-Per-View events in the United States. The platform regularly streams major fights from iconic venues like T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
UFC 314: Volkanovski vs. Lopes is scheduled for April 12, 2025, exclusively on ESPN+ PPV. This continues the platform’s tradition of bringing high-profile matchups to subscribers.
ESPN+ enhances the viewing experience with pre-fight content, including in-depth analysis and fighter interviews. The “Detail from the Mind of Daniel Cormier” series offers expert breakdown of UFC Light Heavyweight matchups and other divisions.
For upcoming events, viewers can access fight week coverage through ESPN Deportes and ESPN+. This comprehensive approach has made ESPN+ the destination for MMA fans.
Exclusive WWE and Combat Sports Content
Beyond UFC, ESPN+ has expanded its combat sports portfolio to include exclusive WWE programming. The platform offers subscribers access to select WWE content not available through other services.
ESPN+ features a variety of combat sports including boxing events and mixed martial arts competitions from organizations beyond the UFC. The “PFL weight classes” content showcases memorable knockouts and submissions across different divisions.
The service provides archives of greatest fights, allowing fans to revisit classic moments. This historical content complements the live events, creating a complete experience for combat sports enthusiasts.
ESPN+ continues to invest in original studio shows focused on combat sports analysis and storytelling. These productions feature expert commentary and behind-the-scenes access that casual and hardcore fans appreciate.
Collaborations with Other Streaming Apps and Services
ESPN+ has developed strategic partnerships with major streaming platforms to expand its reach. These collaborations include cross-promotion with services like Amazon, YouTube, and DAZN.
The platform has explored content-sharing agreements that allow certain ESPN+ programs to appear on partner services. This approach helps introduce new audiences to the ESPN+ ecosystem.
In some markets, bundle deals combine ESPN+ with other streaming services to provide consumers with comprehensive entertainment packages. These arrangements create value for subscribers while strengthening ESPN’s market position.
Recent industry rumors suggest potential partnerships with Netflix to create specialized sports documentaries. While unconfirmed, such collaborations would represent a significant development in sports media distribution.
Frequently Asked Questions
ESPN Plus subscribers often have questions about how to access and purchase pay-per-view events, especially UFC fights. Below are answers to common questions about ESPN Plus PPV services, pricing, and troubleshooting.
How can I purchase UFC PPV events through ESPN Plus?
To purchase UFC PPV events, subscribers must first have an active ESPN+ subscription. Once subscribed, users can buy PPV events through the ESPN app or website by navigating to the UFC section.
The purchase process requires selecting the specific UFC event and completing payment through the available payment methods. Credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal are accepted forms of payment.
What are the current pricing options for ESPN Plus PPV packages?
As of March 2025, UFC PPV events cost $79.99 per event for ESPN+ subscribers. This price is separate from the ESPN+ subscription fee.
ESPN+ also offers bundle options that combine an annual subscription with a PPV event at a discounted rate. These bundles can provide savings compared to purchasing items separately.
Are there any changes to the ESPN Plus subscription model affecting PPV?
ESPN+ has maintained its current subscription model regarding PPV content. The base ESPN+ subscription remains separate from PPV purchases.
PPV events, particularly UFC fights, continue to require additional payment beyond the standard subscription fee. No major structural changes have been announced to this model recently.
How does one access ESPN Plus PPV content after purchase?
After purchasing a PPV event, subscribers can access the content through the ESPN app on various devices like smartphones, tablets, streaming devices, and smart TVs.
The purchased event appears in the user’s ESPN+ library. Users must be logged into the same ESPN+ account used to make the purchase to view the content.
What troubleshooting steps should be taken if purchasing PPV on ESPN Plus is not working?
If encountering issues with PPV purchases, users should first try force quitting and relaunching the ESPN app. Logging out and back into the ESPN account often resolves access problems.
For persistent issues, uninstalling and reinstalling the app may help. Checking for app updates is also recommended.
If payment problems occur, users should verify their payment information is current and that there are no issues with their payment method. Contacting ESPN+ customer support is advisable for unresolved problems.
Does ESPN Plus offer a free trial that includes access to PPV events?
ESPN+ does offer free trials for its base subscription service, but these trials do not include access to PPV events. PPV content requires separate purchase even during trial periods.
New subscribers can sign up for ESPN+ to access the regular content library, but will still need to pay the full PPV price for UFC events or other premium content.
