In 2025, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) continues to dominate combat sports with an ever-growing fanbase and expanded global reach. With new broadcasting partnerships, innovative streaming solutions, and a strong social media presence, fans now have more ways than ever to experience UFC action live or on demand.
This article explores the most up-to-date and effective methods for watching UFC fights around the world.
New Broadcast Deals Shaping UFC Coverage
Beginning in 2026, the UFC’s U.S. broadcasting landscape is set to change dramatically thanks to a groundbreaking $7.7 billion, seven-year deal with Paramount. While this kicks off next year, preparations and previews are already rolling out in 2025.
Paramount+, the company’s flagship streaming platform, will become the home for all UFC events, offering access to 30 fight nights and 13 marquee events each year. Fans can expect high-definition coverage, real-time commentary, and behind-the-scenes content all in one place.
In addition to streaming, CBS, owned by Paramount, will simulcast selected high-profile UFC fights. This dual-distribution model means fans without streaming subscriptions can still enjoy top-tier events via traditional television.
This marks a shift from previous deals with ESPN and hints at broader mainstream visibility for the sport. The strategic move is seen as an early win for new Paramount chairman David Ellison, underscoring his vision of placing UFC at the center of the company’s sports strategy.
For fans, this means easier and more consistent access to UFC events across both digital and traditional platforms. Whether you prefer streaming on-demand or tuning in via television, this new setup ensures reliable coverage and a premium viewing experience. As a result, it stands out as one of the best and most convenient ways to watch UFC fights in 2025 and beyond.
Global Streaming Options: Accessibility Across Continents
Outside the U.S., fans also benefit from a range of global streaming services catering to different regions. In the UK and Ireland, UFC Fight Pass remains a reliable option, offering complete access to live prelims, replays, and exclusive fighter interviews.
BT Sport, which previously held rights, has gradually shifted focus, making UFC Fight Pass more essential for die-hard European fans.
In Australia and New Zealand, services like Kayo Sports continue to provide live UFC events, often bundled with other MMA and boxing promotions. Similarly, in Canada, TSN holds broadcasting rights, while Fight Pass remains a complementary option for die-hard followers.
Latin America, Asia, and parts of Europe often access UFC content through localized sports networks or digital platforms like DAZN, which tailors fight night packages and commentary to regional preferences.
As UFC expands, expect to see further localization strategies in 2025, including language-specific commentary and culturally relevant marketing.
For fans across the globe, this diverse streaming ecosystem ensures they are not left behind. With region-specific options and tailored experiences, fans can follow their favorite fighters and events without needing to rely on U.S.-centric platforms.
This approach not only boosts accessibility but also enhances the viewer experience, making it one of the most adaptable and inclusive ways to watch UFC fights in 2025.
Online Betting Platforms: A Popular Second Screen Experience
In 2025, one of the most popular ways fans engage with UFC content is through online betting platforms. These platforms have evolved into dynamic ecosystems offering real-time stats, interactive commentary, and in some cases, live streaming of undercard fights. Betting sites provide odds tracking, fighter analytics, and post-fight breakdowns, which enrich the viewing experience.
Stake.us has emerged as one of the leading platforms in this space. Known for its sleek interface and expansive betting options, Stake.us lets fans place wagers on everything from knockout rounds to takedown counts. This kind of interactivity brings an extra layer of excitement, particularly during high-stakes matchups.
In addition to placing bets, many users also seek out bonus codes that can enhance their overall gaming experience. These include promotions specifically geared toward bettors, offering added value during major sporting events like UFC fight nights.
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Though not directly connected to UFC streaming, this trend reflects how crossover platforms are blending sports, gaming, and interactive content into a broader entertainment experience.
Meta and UFC: A Technological Partnership Shaping the Future
Social media is no longer just a place for fight announcements or meme-sharing. In 2025, UFC and Meta have deepened their collaboration through a multi-million dollar fan technology partnership.
Meta is now the official AI glasses partner of the UFC, as well as its first ever fan tech partner. With this alliance, fans can expect immersive experiences, exclusive content drops, and experimental mixed-reality viewing options.
Meta’s technologies, such as Meta Quest and Meta AI, are being integrated into UFC broadcasts, allowing fans to experience fights through smart glasses, interact with virtual environments, and even watch simulations of fights using AI-generated fight predictions.
Threads, a Meta platform, will feature behind-the-scenes content, fighter Q&As, and highlights unavailable anywhere else.
This deal signifies a shift toward a more immersive and fan-first approach. UFC CEO Dana White, now on Meta’s board of directors, has emphasized the importance of tech integration in expanding the sport’s reach. Whether you’re watching through VR headsets or catching fighter interviews on WhatsApp, Meta’s ecosystem now plays a central role in UFC’s digital future.
For fans, this partnership means a deeper, more interactive experience that goes beyond simply watching the fight. From immersive views in the Octagon through smart glasses to real-time social media content and virtual interactions, fans are now active participants in the UFC universe.
These innovations make it easier to stay engaged before, during, and after each event, marking one of the most exciting evolutions in how MMA can be enjoyed.
UFC Fight Pass: The Hardcore Fan’s Companion
Even with newer deals taking center stage, UFC Fight Pass remains a crucial asset for dedicated fans. This platform serves as the archive and backbone of UFC’s digital presence. Subscribers can access the entire fight library, spanning decades of MMA history, along with live prelims, post-fight pressers, and Dana White’s Contender Series.
In 2025, UFC Fight Pass continues to evolve. AI-powered search lets users instantly find knockouts, submissions, or particular fighters across thousands of archived bouts. New content formats, including mini-documentaries and fighter vlogs, offer deeper insights into athletes’ journeys.
What makes Fight Pass unique is its consistency. While broadcasting rights may shift between major players like ESPN and Paramount, Fight Pass remains under UFC’s direct control, ensuring it adapts quickly to fan needs and technological advancements.
Social Media: Instant Access, Real-Time Reactions
In addition to Meta’s formal partnership, UFC’s broader social media strategy has become a vital tool for fans looking to keep up in real-time. Platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok offer immediate access to highlights, press conference snippets, and live updates from events.
Threads, now the UFC’s official social media platform, provides unique fighter content and fan polls, while Facebook and WhatsApp facilitate community-based discussions and event watch parties. UFC has even started using smart AI-generated captioning for live content, making posts more accessible to international audiences.
PPV Options and Localized Solutions
Pay-per-view (PPV) remains a major revenue stream and a go-to option for fans eager to watch headline fights in real-time. While the Paramount+ deal covers many fight nights, certain mega-events will still be available as PPV buys in select regions. Prices vary depending on geography, card importance, and platform.
In the U.S., fans without Paramount+ may opt to buy access to blockbuster events through traditional cable providers or CBS special event packages. International viewers may rely on DAZN or local sports networks for PPV access.
Bundled subscriptions are also becoming common, offering savings on annual packages combined with behind-the-scenes access or merchandise discounts.
2025 is also seeing growth in hybrid models, where PPV events are supplemented by bonus digital content: early weigh-in live streams, fighter camp walkthroughs, or roundtable expert discussions.
These add-ons make the PPV experience more than just the main card, turning it into a full-day fan journey.
Conclusion: How to Choose Your Ideal UFC Viewing Experience in 2025
With so many options available, the best way to watch UFC in 2025 depends on your preferences, location, and level of fandom. For U.S. audiences, Paramount+ and CBS are becoming the primary viewing platforms, offering comprehensive coverage of most events. Hardcore fans will still value UFC Fight Pass for its deep archive and exclusive content.
Internationally, localized streaming services like DAZN, TSN, and Kayo Sports remain strong options, while social media platforms deliver instant updates and community engagement.
Tech-savvy viewers can explore Meta’s immersive experiences, including VR and smart glasses integration. Meanwhile, those interested in a more interactive and predictive experience may gravitate toward online betting platforms that double as live UFC data hubs.
No matter your choice, 2025 offers a UFC experience more accessible, immersive, and engaging than ever before. Whether you’re tuning in from your couch, smartphone, or VR headset, the Octagon has never felt closer.
