How to Watch UFC Livestreams in 2026 on Paramount+

How to Watch UFC Livestreams in 2026 on Paramount+

UFC livestreams have entered a new era. Dana White has said goodbye to pay-per-view purchases for every major fight card. As of January 2026, U.S. mixed martial arts fans now have unprecedented access to every UFC event through a groundbreaking partnership between the UFC and Paramount+. This historic $7.7 billion, seven-year deal allows Paramount+ subscribers to watch all events live and rewatch past events whenever they want [1].

If you’re eager to catch a heavyweight championship bout, a flyweight technical showcase, or a bantamweight thriller that goes the distance, having reliable access to UFC content is important. From preliminary card underdogs making their Octagon debuts to main event title defenses that define legacies, every moment matters. Below is everything you need to know about watching UFC on Paramount+ so you never miss a knockout, submission, or split decision again.

The UFC-Paramount+ Partnership

On January 1, 2026, the UFC officially moved away from the pay-per-view model that had defined the sport for decades. The partnership with Paramount+ is one of the most significant shifts in combat sports broadcasting history. According to an August 2025 announcement, Paramount became the exclusive home of all UFC events in the United States, with the deal extending through 2033 [2].

UFC President Dana White emphasized that fans can now watch all UFC programming on Paramount+ without any pay-per-view charges. The first event under this new arrangement, UFC 324 featuring Justin Gaethje versus Paddy Pimblett, kicked off on January 24, 2026, from Las Vegas’s T-Mobile Arena [3].

The deal encompasses all 13 marquee numbered UFC events annually, plus all 30 UFC Fight Nights, giving subscribers access to more than 350 hours of live event content each year [1]. Select numbered events will also simulcast on CBS, allowing fans to watch via traditional broadcast methods, including cable, satellite, or digital antenna.

Upcoming UFC events

What to Expect from UFC Events in 2026

The 2026 UFC calendar features 43 total events, including 13 numbered events and 30 Fight Night cards. Numbered events typically showcase title bouts on their main cards and represent the premier matchups in various weight divisions. Fight Night events deliver compelling action with top-ranked fighters and rising stars looking to make their mark.

The first quarter of 2026 includes several major events already on the schedule. UFC 324 on January 24 featured Justin Gaethje versus Paddy Pimblett, while UFC 325 on January 31 is set to showcase Alexander Volkanovski against Diego Lopes in a rematch. February highlights include Fight Night events featuring Mario Bautista versus Vinicius Oliveira, Sean Strickland versus Anthony Hernandez, and Brandon Moreno versus Asu Almabayev.

What You Get with a Paramount+ Subscription

Paramount+ offers two subscription tiers, both of which provide full access to UFC content at no additional cost. The Essential plan, priced at $8.99 per month or $89.99 annually, includes advertisements during on-demand content but provides complete access to all live UFC events [4]. For viewers seeking an ad-free experience, the Premium plan costs $13.99 monthly or $139.99 yearly and includes all Essential content, SHOWTIME original programming, and the ability to stream local CBS stations live. However, live sports programming on Paramount+ includes commercials regardless of which subscription tier you choose.

Both subscription levels grant access to the entire UFC library, including past fights, news clips, fighter profiles, and commentary. The platform’s UFC interface includes dedicated hubs for individual fighters, comprehensive event schedules, and information about upcoming matchups.

Beyond UFC, your Paramount+ subscription provides access to over 40,000 episodes and movies, live NFL games on CBS, UEFA Champions League matches, and a vast library of content from networks including Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, and Comedy Central.

How to Access UFC Events on Paramount+

Streaming UFC on Paramount+ is straightforward once you have an active subscription. Simply navigate to the platform’s UFC show page or visit the UFC Collection section to access live events and on-demand content. There are no additional authentication steps or separate packages required beyond your base Paramount+ subscription.

Paramount+ supports streaming across multiple devices, ensuring you can watch fights wherever you are. Compatible devices include smart TVs from major manufacturers, streaming devices such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Chromecast, gaming consoles such as PlayStation and Xbox, and mobile devices running iOS or Android. You can also stream directly through web browsers on computers and laptops.

UFC events typically follow a consistent schedule: early prelims start around 5 PM ET, followed by prelims at 6-7 PM ET, and the main card begins at 9 PM ET (much earlier than pay-per-view fights of the past). The platform lets you start watching at any point during the broadcast and provides on-demand replays shortly after the event concludes.

Internet Speed Requirements for Seamless UFC Streaming

A reliable internet connection is essential to enjoying UFC livestreams without buffering or quality issues. Paramount+ officially recommends a minimum of 2-3 Mbps for basic streaming, but this baseline is only sufficient for standard definition on a single device. For a quality viewing experience, especially during high-action fight sequences, you’ll want significantly faster speeds.

For high-definition streaming, aim for at least 10-15 Mbps per device. If you’re planning to watch in 4K quality, you’ll need 25-35 Mbps per stream. Live sports demand more bandwidth than on-demand content because there’s no buffer to smooth out connection hiccups. A stable 50 Mbps connection will outperform a fluctuating 100 Mbps connection for live UFC streaming.

Household considerations are equally important. If you have one or two people streaming Paramount+, 25-50 Mbps typically handles most scenarios comfortably. For families with multiple users streaming simultaneously, smart home devices, and other connected activities, a minimum of 100-200 Mbps is recommended.

To optimize your streaming experience, position your router centrally in your home, use wired Ethernet connections when possible, and disconnect devices you’re not actively using. If you experience buffering during fights, try lowering video quality settings, clearing your Paramount+ app cache, or restarting your modem and router.

Troubleshooting Common Streaming Issues

Despite having adequate internet speeds and a valid subscription, viewers may occasionally encounter streaming problems. Buffering during UFC events can stem from several sources, including network congestion during peak viewing hours, outdated streaming device software, or accumulated cache data in your Paramount+ app.

If you experience frequent buffering, start by testing your internet speed using online tools to verify your connection meets streaming requirements. For immediate relief, try reducing video quality from 4K to standard HD, which requires less bandwidth.

Device-specific issues can also impact performance. Smart TV users should navigate to settings to check for software updates and consider resetting their Smart Hub or reinstalling the Paramount+ app if problems persist. For mobile devices, clearing the app cache through device settings often resolves temporary glitches.

If multiple devices in your household are streaming simultaneously, network congestion may be the culprit. Try disconnecting devices you’re not actively using. For the most stable connection, especially during major events, consider using a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi.

Get Paramount+ for Free

Get Paramount+ Free with T-Mobile Home Internet

T-Mobile Home Internet customers have an excellent opportunity to access Paramount+ at no additional cost. If you subscribe to T-Mobile’s All-In Home Internet plan, you automatically qualify for the Paramount+ Essential plan completely free as part of your internet service. This means you can watch all UFC events without paying the standard $8.99 monthly subscription fee, making it one of the most cost-effective ways to enjoy comprehensive UFC coverage.

The Paramount+ Essential plan included with T-Mobile All-In Home Internet provides full access to over 40,000 episodes and movies, live sports, including all UFC events, and exclusive original content. You can stream on up to three devices simultaneously, ensuring multiple family members can enjoy different content at the same time. The subscription is managed directly through your T-Mobile account, with T-Mobile automatically billing each month [5].

To activate your free Paramount+ subscription, you can redeem via the T-Life app, via the SMS/email link sent when you add All-In Home internet to your account, or via T-Mobile.com using your T-Mobile ID.

This benefit is available to T-Mobile All-In Home Internet customers in good standing across all 50 states, with a maximum of two subscriptions per account. If you currently pay for Paramount+ through another provider, you’ll need to cancel that subscription first before redeeming the T-Mobile offer. The combination of reliable high-speed home internet and free Paramount+ access makes T-Mobile an attractive option for UFC fans looking to maximize value while ensuring lag-free streaming for every fight.

Find the Perfect Internet Provider for Uninterrupted UFC Streaming

The right internet provider and high-speed plan help you experience every knockout in crystal-clear quality. With UFC now exclusively on Paramount+, ensuring your internet connection can handle live streaming is more important than ever.

Enter your zip code below to find the best internet providers in your area and compare plans that can deliver the seamless UFC streaming experience you deserve. Get connected with high-speed internet that keeps you ringside for every fight, every round, every moment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay extra for UFC pay-per-view events on Paramount+?

No. All UFC numbered events and Fight Nights are included with your Paramount+ subscription at no additional cost. The traditional pay-per-view model ended with the 2026 partnership, meaning you can watch every UFC event with just your monthly or annual Paramount+ subscription.

What internet speed do I need to stream UFC in HD quality?

For high-definition UFC streaming, aim for at least 10-15 Mbps per viewer. If multiple people in your household stream simultaneously or you want to watch in 4K, you’ll need 25-35 Mbps or higher. Live sports require more stable bandwidth than on-demand content, so consistent speed is more important than peak speed.

Can I watch UFC events on devices other than my TV?

Yes. Paramount+ supports streaming on smart TVs, streaming devices (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV), gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox), mobile devices (iOS and Android), tablets, and web browsers on computers. You can watch UFC events on any device with the Paramount+ app or through the website.

Sources

[1] Paramountplus.com. “UFC on Paramount Everything You Need to Know"

[2] Espn.com. “Paramount TKO Group Reach 7 Year Deal All UFC Events US"

[3] Ufc.com. “UFC 324"

[4] Paramountplus.com. “Pricing"

[5] T-mobile.com. “Home Internet Paramount Plus on Us"