How to watch UFC and Bellator MMA?

Get ready for some heart-pounding action with UFC and Bellator MMA

Best cable TV for MMA

Best cable TV for MMA

$20.00–$80.00/mo.

MMA channels:

ESPN and SHOWTIME

DVR storage:

20–300 hrs.

Contract:

1–2 yrs. or no-term agreement

Best satellite TV for MMA

Best satellite TV for MMA

$64.99–$154.99/mo.

MMA channels:

ESPN and SHOWTIME

DVR storage:

200 hrs. included

Contract:

2 yrs.

Best live TV streaming for MMA

Best live TV streaming for MMA

$74.99–$94.99/mo.

MMA channels:

ESPN and SHOWTIME

DVR storage:

1,000 hr. included

Free trial:

7 days

Best streaming app for MMA

Best streaming app for MMA

$9.99/mo. or $99.99/yr.

MMA content:

UFC and UFC PPV events

Features:

Thousands of live

Free trial:

N/A

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Fists (and remotes) up: How to watch UFC and Bellator MMA?

Watching UFC and Bellator MMA is an exciting experience that requires proper preparation and understanding.

Here are some essential tips to enhance your viewing experience:

1. Find a reliable streaming service: Ensure you have access to a trustworthy streaming service that broadcasts both UFC and Bellator MMA events. This will guarantee uninterrupted and high-quality coverage of the fights.

2. Know the event schedule: Stay updated with the fight schedule of both UFC and Bellator MMA. This will help you plan your viewing schedule and ensure you don't miss any thrilling matchups.

3. Gather your friends: Watching MMA fights is more fun when you can share the experience with friends. Invite them over or organize a viewing party to create a lively atmosphere and engage in post-fight analysis.

4. Create a comfortable viewing space: Set up a dedicated space for watching the fights, whether it's a home theater setup or a cozy living room. Ensure you have comfortable seating, a large screen, and a reliable sound system to fully immerse yourself in the action.

5. Know the fighters: Familiarize yourself with the fighters competing in the event. Research their backgrounds, fighting styles, and previous performances. This will not only enhance your understanding of the matchups but also allow you to appreciate their skills and strategies.

Best TV providers for UFC and Bellator MMA

What channel is UFC and Bellator MMA on?

In order to catch UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) events, you have various options available. One way is to watch them on ESPN through cable, satellite, and live TV streaming services. Alternatively, you can opt for ESPN+, which is a streaming-only platform. ESPN+ serves as the main hub for UFC events and requires a monthly subscription fee of $9.99. In addition, certain preliminary UFC events may occasionally be broadcasted on ABC, ESPN2, and ESPNews.

Bellator MMA's main card shows can be seen live on SHOWTIME, a high-quality channel that is not as easily accessible as ESPN. Although it is still offered on different cable, satellite, and live TV streaming platforms, it is more commonly an additional subscription. However, you can watch the preliminary Bellator events for free on Bellator MMA's exclusive channel on Pluto TV. Additionally, select events may also be broadcasted on CBS.

UFC and Bellator MMA schedule

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Bellator MMA are two prominent organizations in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). Both organizations have a packed schedule of events, featuring top-tier fighters from around the globe.

The UFC is widely regarded as the premier MMA promotion worldwide. They consistently host high-profile events that attract millions of viewers and sell out arenas. The UFC schedule is packed with regular fight nights and pay-per-view events, showcasing talented fighters across various weight classes. With a large and diverse roster of fighters, the UFC offers a mix of established stars and rising prospects, guaranteeing thrilling matchups for fans.

Meanwhile, Bellator MMA has gained a strong following as a top competitor to the UFC. Known for its focus on elite fighters and big-name acquisitions, Bellator provides a platform for fighters to demonstrate their skills. The Bellator MMA schedule features a combination of live events and television broadcasts, offering fans the opportunity to witness intense battles in the cage.

Event

Date

Main card time (ET)

Channels

UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Magomedov

July 1, 2023

7 p.m.

ESPN, ESPN+

UFC 290: Volkanovski vs. Rodriguez

July 8, 2023

10 p.m.

ESPN+ PPV

UFC Fight Night: Holm vs. Bueno Silva

July 15, 2023

10 p.m.

ESPN, ESPN+

UFC Fight Night: Aspinall vs. Tybura

July 22, 2023

3 p.m.

ESPN+

UFC 291: Poirier vs. Gaethje 2

July 29, 2023

10 p.m.

ESPN+ PPV

Bellator MMA x Rizin 2

July 30, 2023

Noon

SHOWTIME

UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov

August 5, 2023

7 p.m.

ESPN, ESPN+

Bellator 298: Storley vs. Ward

August 11, 2023

9 p.m.

SHOWTIME

UFC Fight Night: Luque vs. Dos Anjos

August 12, 2023

7 p.m.

ESPN, ESPN+

UFC 292: Sterling vs. O'Malley

August 19, 2023

10 p.m.

ESPN+ PPV

UFC Fight Night: Holloway vs. The Korean Zombie

August 26, 2023

5 a.m.

ESPN+

UFC Fight Night: Gane vs. Spivac

September 2, 2023

3 p.m.

ESPN+

UFC 293

September 9, 2023

10 p.m.

ESPN+ PPV

UFC Fight Night: Grasso vs. Shevchenko 2

September 16, 2023

10 p.m.

ESPN+

Bellator 299: Eblen vs. Edwards

September 23, 2023

4 p.m.

SHOWTIME

Best cable providers for UFC and Bellator

Provider

Price

UFC and Bellator channels

Call to Order

Xfinity

$20.00–$80.00/mo.

ESPN, SHOWTIME

(844) 345-0888

Cox

$56.00–$139.00/mo.

ESPN, SHOWTIME

(844) 349-7575

Optimum

$35.00–$115.00/mo.

ESPN, SHOWTIME

(844) 297-5151

Spectrum

$59.99/mo.

ESPN, SHOWTIME

(888) 795-8789


Best satellite providers for UFC and Bellator

Provider

Price

UFC and Bellator channels

Call to Order

DIRECTV

$64.99–$154.99/mo.

ESPN, SHOWTIME

(855) 213-2250

DISH

$79.99–$109.99/mo.

ESPN, SHOWTIME

(877) 471-4808


It is not hard locating ESPN and SHOWTIME on cable and satellite TV services, but you should expect to pay a higher price for these channels. Typically, these channels are only included in more expensive subscription plans, although ESPN may sometimes be included in lower-tier plans offered by certain providers.

Here are UFC and Bellator cable picks, based on price and availability:

Here is UFC and Bellator satellite picks. based on price and availability:

Best live TV streaming providers for UFC and Bellator

Provider

Price

UFC and Bellator channels

fuboTV

$74.99–$94.99/mo.

ESPN, SHOWTIME

YouTube TV

$72.99/mo.

ESPN, SHOWTIME

Hulu + Live TV

$69.99–$82.99/mo.

ESPN, SHOWTIME

DIRECTV STREAM

$64.99–$154.99/mo.

ESPN, SHOWTIME

Sling TV

$40.00–$55.00/mo.

ESPN, SHOWTIME


Best streaming apps for UFC and Bellator

Provider

Price

MMA events

ESPN+

$9.99/mo. or $99.99/yr.

UFC

UFC Fight Pass

$9.99/mo. or $95.99/yr.

UFC

SHOWTIME

$10.99/mo. or $99.99/yr.

Bellator

Pluto TV

Free

Bellator


The ESPN+ streaming app offers all of UFC's live events, making it a great option for fans who are solely focused on UFC and don't want to spend a lot. However, pay-per-view events are not included in the $9.99 monthly subscription of ESPN+, so you will need to pay extra for those.

The UFC Fight Pass streaming app, available for $9.99 a month or $95.99 a year, provides live UFC and MMA content that goes beyond what ESPN and ESPN+ offer. It includes original analysis shows, classic bouts, and events. If you have a fondness for Strikeforce and Invicta FC, Fight Pass may be the right choice for you.

SHOWTIME, offered as a streaming app, caters to cord-cutters who don't want a full TV plan. For $10.99 a month, you can stream more than 40 live fight nights a year, including exclusive Bellator MMA and SHOWTIME Boxing events. By adding just a dollar, you can bundle SHOWTIME with Paramount+ for as low as $11.99 a month.

Pluto TV, a free streaming app owned by Paramount (like Bellator), features a dedicated channel that airs over 500 past Bellator bouts 24/7. While there are unavoidable commercial breaks, the app is free to use.

Final take: UFC and Bellator in the (paid) cage

The world of mixed martial arts (MMA) is dominated by two major promotions: UFC and Bellator. Both organizations have carved out their own niches and built loyal fanbases, but there are key differences between the two.

On one hand, UFC is the undisputed king of the MMA world. It boasts a roster of some of the biggest names in the sport, like Conor McGregor and Jon Jones, and consistently delivers high-profile events that capture the attention of fans worldwide. With a long history and a massive media presence, UFC has firmly established itself as the premier MMA promotion.

On the other hand, Bellator has emerged as a noteworthy competitor to UFC. While it may not have the same level of star power as its rival, Bellator has been able to attract talented fighters and put on exciting events. It has also distinguished itself by adopting a tournament format for some of its divisions, which adds an element of unpredictability and excitement for fans.

In terms of pay, UFC generally offers higher salaries to its fighters compared to Bellator. This, coupled with its wider reach and larger fanbase, means that many fighters aspire to compete in the Octagon and achieve the financial success that comes with a UFC contract.

However, Bellator offers a different kind of opportunity for fighters. With UFC's strict exclusivity contracts, many fighters are unable to compete outside of the promotion. Bellator, on the other hand, allows its fighters more flexibility, enabling them to participate in other promotions while still competing under the Bellator banner. This can provide fighters with more chances for exposure and additional income opportunities.

Overall, both UFC and Bellator play significant roles in the MMA landscape. Whether it's the glitz and glamour of UFC or the alternative opportunities offered by Bellator, fighters and fans have distinct choices. As the sport continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how these two promotions evolve and compete for dominance in the cage.

FAQ : How to watch UFC and Bellator MMA
Q: What are the options for watching UFC and Bellator MMA events?

A: There are several options available for watching UFC and Bellator MMA events. The most popular options include:

1. Pay-Per-View (PPV): Both UFC and Bellator MMA offer their events on PPV. You can purchase the PPV through your cable or satellite provider, or through various streaming platforms.

2. Streaming Services: UFC has its own streaming service called UFC Fight Pass, which allows you to watch live events and access a vast library of past fights. Bellator MMA also has a streaming service called DAZN, which offers live events as well.

3. Cable and Satellite TV: Many cable and satellite providers offer channels that broadcast UFC and Bellator MMA events. Check with your provider for available options.

Q: Can I watch UFC and Bellator MMA events for free?

A: While some highlight clips and pre-fight coverage may be available for free on platforms like YouTube or social media, watching the full live events usually requires a paid subscription or purchasing the PPV.

Q: How much does it cost to watch UFC and Bellator MMA events?

A: The cost of watching UFC and Bellator MMA events varies depending on the platform and the specific event. PPV prices generally range from $50 to $70. Streaming services like UFC Fight Pass and DAZN offer monthly or annual subscription plans that include access to live events and other content.

Q: Are there any free trials or discounts available?

A: Some streaming services may offer free trials or promotional discounts for new subscribers. It's recommended to check their websites or contact customer support to inquire about any available offers.

Q: Can I watch UFC and Bellator MMA events on my mobile device?

A: Yes, both UFC Fight Pass and DAZN have mobile apps available for iOS and Android devices. These apps allow you to stream live events and watch on-demand content on your mobile device.