How to Watch Mixed Martial Arts Worldwide

There’s nothing quite like the adrenaline rush of a good MMA fight. The roar of the crowd, the clash of styles, and the drama of a well-timed knockout—it’s what keeps fans coming back. But watching your favorite MMA events live can be tricky when you’re traveling, living abroad, or simply don’t know where to start. That’s where this guide comes in.

Whether you’re in the U.S., U.K., Canada, or anywhere else in the world, this guide will show you how to catch every punch, kick, and tap-out—without missing a beat.

Why Watching MMA Isn’t Always Straightforward

MMA is a global sport, but unlike major league sports with centralized broadcasting, it’s fragmented across various promotions and platforms. Between UFC, Bellator (now part of PFL), ONE Championship, and regional leagues, broadcast rights vary by region and promotion.

The good news? You can still watch everything live—or on demand—if you know where to look. Let’s break it down.

1. Top Platforms to Stream MMA Legally

UFC: The Big One

• USA: ESPN+ is the exclusive home of UFC. You’ll need a subscription to access Fight Nights, PPVs (pay-per-view events sold separately), and UFC originals.
• UK: TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport) holds UFC broadcast rights. Available via Discovery+ or as an add-on to BT TV or Sky.
• Canada: UFC content is available through TSN Direct or UFC Fight Pass.

Pro Tip: UFC Fight Pass offers the largest back catalog of fights and exclusive content, but it doesn’t include live PPV main events in some regions like the US.

PFL (Professional Fighters League)

• USA: ESPN+ and ESPN networks.
• UK: DAZN or FuboTV (depending on the event).
• Canada: TSN or streaming directly through PFL’s digital services.

PFL has gained massive traction thanks to its league-style format and recent acquisition of Bellator. Expect deeper access via their app in the near future.

ONE Championship

• Worldwide: Watch via the official ONE Super App (often free with registration).
• USA: Amazon Prime Video has the rights to live U.S. primetime events.
• Other Regions: YouTube and Facebook sometimes stream free prelims.

ONE Championship is known for mixing MMA with Muay Thai and kickboxing under a single rule set, making it a unique viewing experience.

2. Use a VPN to Access Regional Streams

If your favorite promotion isn’t available in your country—or if you want to access free streams in another region—a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is your best friend.

How to Use a VPN to Watch MMA

1. Subscribe to a reliable VPN service (e.g., NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark).
2. Connect to a country where the MMA stream is available (e.g., US for ESPN+).
3. Navigate to the streaming platform and start watching like a local!

Warning: Always use VPNs responsibly. Avoid piracy and stick to legal streams.

3. Best Free (and Legal) Ways to Watch Highlights & Prelims

If you’re not ready to commit to a subscription, there are still ways to stay in the loop.

Reliable Free Options

• YouTube: Promotions like UFC, PFL, and ONE post free highlights, full prelims, and even classic fights.
• Facebook Live: ONE Championship and regional promotions often stream free events.
• TikTok & Instagram: Follow fighters and leagues for real-time updates and short-form fight content.

Tip: Subscribe to official promotion channels to get notifications when new content is posted.

4. Don’t Miss These Global MMA Events

Knowing what to watch is half the battle. Here are the most anticipated MMA events and seasons you should track:

• UFC International Fight Week: Usually in July, this week features a stacked PPV and fan events in Las Vegas.
• PFL Playoffs: Format-driven and climactic—watch champions emerge through a season-long battle.
• ONE Friday Fights: Weekly events in Asia, often free and packed with action.
• Road to UFC: A talent development tournament aired on UFC Fight Pass.

Set Google Calendar alerts, subscribe to MMA Reddit pages, or follow event countdowns through apps like Tapology or Sherdog.

5. Apps and Tools Every MMA Fan Needs

If you’re serious about following MMA from anywhere in the world, these apps and tools are game changers:

Must-Have Apps

• ESPN: For UFC and PFL alerts, live stats, and breaking news.
• UFC App: Access to Fight Pass, live scores, and exclusive interviews.
• ONE Super App: Free streams, news, and fighter stats all in one place.
• DAZN: For international access to Bellator and PFL events.

Bonus Tools

• Tapology: For event schedules, fighter rankings, and predictions.
• Reddit (r/MMA): Live threads, commentary, and instant highlights.
• MMA Junkie & MMA Fighting: Trusted sites for news, interviews, and analysis.

Conclusion: Your Front-Row Seat Awaits

MMA is more accessible than ever—you just need the right strategy to catch every bout. Whether you're watching the UFC's biggest title fights on ESPN+, streaming ONE Championship events on Amazon Prime, or exploring regional promotions from across the globe, the options are endless.

With a few smart tools like a VPN, a couple of subscriptions, and a passion for the sport, you’ll never miss another spinning elbow or post-fight callout.

Now it’s your turn: Who’s your favorite MMA fighter to watch right now? Drop their name in the comments below and let’s talk fights!

WATCH NOW