How to Watch UFC Fights With a VPN (Free and Pay-Per-View)

If you’ve been looking to watch UFC fights online, then you’ve probably seen the word VPN thrown around a few times. But why do you need to watch UFC fights with a VPN in the first place?

One word: blackouts. Due to licensing restrictions, some UFC matches may not be available in your area. Fortunately, a VPN allows you to change your IP address to a region where UFC events are available in full.

You’ll be able to watch the upcoming UFC 282: Procházka vs. Teixeira 2 with a VPN from anywhere in the world. Not to mention you won’t have to pay for yet another streaming service to watch UFC while traveling abroad, or as an expat.

Read on for a step-by-step guide on how to use a VPN to watch UFC, along with 5 VPNs that actually work for UFC events. We’ll also let you know which provider works best for your streaming platform (UFC Fight Pass, ESPN+, BT Sport, etc.)

Just starting out? Then there are a few places you can stream UFC matches online. Seasoned UFC enjoyers can skip ahead to our list of the 5 best UFC VPNs and the rest of the guide.

Where to Watch UFC Fights Online?

UFC partners with multiple streaming sites and TV networks to make their events available to a global audience. Of course, sites like UFC Fight Pass, ESPN+, BT Sport, and DAZN own the rights to stream UFC content in specific regions. As such, you may run into messages like this during blackouts:

“Due to broadcast restrictions, this video is not available within a UFC FIGHT PASS subscription or as a pay-per-view in your region. Please check your local TV listings for viewing information.”

Why is Watching UFC Online So Tricky?

The reason for this is that UFC depends on licensed partnerships and ads for revenue. So even if you have a UFC Fight Pass subscription in the US, you won’t be able to stream any UFC content if you travel to Brazil or the rest of Latin America.

On a related note, UFC Fight Pass will be coming to Brazil in January 2024 after UFC’s contract with Grupo Globo expires. Just in time for UFC 283 in Rio de Janeiro! Until then, the best way to stream UFC fights in the area is with a VPN.

To that end, here are the 5 best UFC VPN providers available today.

5 Best VPNs for Watching UFC Fights Online

We’ve looked at VPNs with solid unblocking capabilities and great server coverage. You’ll have no trouble finding a fast local VPN server so you can watch UFC without annoying buffering.

1. NordVPN – Best All-round VPN to Watch UFC

NordVPN is the best VPN to stream UFC for one specific reason. And that is their useful SmartPlay feature, a smart DNS that’s built into the VPN itself. Smart DNS services let you access exclusive content like UFC matches by masking your DNS request location.

To keep it short, DNS requests happen when your device asks your ISP’s servers for a website. Your ISP responds with the website you requested. Of course, this process reveals your true location to any services you might access, including UFC Fight Pass, ESPN+, and so on.

NordVPN’s SmartPlay feature works hand in hand with the VPN to mask both your DNS requests and your IP address. With this UFC VPN, you’ll be streaming matches as if you were physically located wherever events are licensed.

You get over 5,400+ VPN servers in around 60 countries, including the UK for BT Sport and the US for Fight Pass and ESPN+. You can also connect to servers in Europe, Canada, or Brazil if you prefer to watch UFC matches on DAZN.

The speeds are also incredible. We could stream high-quality VODs of previous fights and even tested out a few streams. All in all, we saw no lag on any of the services we tried.

The VPN works on all major operating systems (PC and mobile). NordVPN also has router setup guides on their website. Unblock UFC on your smart TV, Xbox, Roku, and other stream boxes that don’t natively support VPN.

Customer support is available 24/7 through live chat and the reps are always helpful. Also, your subscription is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can stream UFC risk-free.

Make sure to check out our full NordVPN review for further details.

2. Surfshark – Affordable UFC VPN for Android Users

Surfshark is a fantastic budget-friendly VPN alternative, which is great considering UFC PPV prices in some areas. Of course, Surfshark now has 3,200+ servers in around 100 countries. This includes popular locations for UFC like the US, UK, and the rest of Europe.

While you won’t be able to watch UFC pay-per-view matches for free, you can definitely find cheaper streaming options worldwide. Say, Saudi Arabia or Egypt for UFCArabia. And with so many locations, you’ll have no trouble finding one to stream UFC fights lag-free.

Better yet, you’ll be able to use a VPN on all your UFC streaming gadgets. That’s because Surfshark has no device limits for any subscription. Secure your entire household, or chip in with friends to share the joys of a fast UFC VPN.

Surfshark is also unique in that it comes with GPS spoofing on Android. Out and about and want to catch the latest fight on your smartphone? Then you’re in luck, as Surfshark can even trick mobile apps like ESPN or UFC regarding your true location.

Naturally, the VPN is still a great option for viewing UFC fights on Windows, Mac, iOS, or Linux. They also have useful 24/7 live chat, as well as a robust 30-day money-back guarantee.

Our Surfshark review contains every other detail you need to know about the VPN.

3. Atlas VPN – Best VPN for UFC with Free Plan

Atlas VPN is another great VPN to watch UFC online for cheap. Their premium plan lets you access 750 servers in 44 locations. Streaming-wise, its focus locations are the US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and a few others.

As such, we recommend Atlas VPN to stream UFC matches on DAZN and ESPN+. We’ve tested these locations out with HD UFC VODs and streams and saw no slowdowns. The VPN supports the fast WireGuard protocol to make your streaming experience smoother. 

As with Surfshark, Atlas VPN doesn’t limit how many devices you can link to an account. Their apps are also polished and easy to use on all platforms. Enjoy streaming UFC matches on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Fire OS, and Linux Ubuntu.

The provider also has a free plan if you want to test the waters with some light browsing. However, you won’t get streaming support, and only 3 locations are available (Los Angeles, New York, and the Netherlands). Worth trying out on UFC sites – it’s free!

Otherwise, premium subscribers gain access to 24/7 live chat support. And as with any reliable UFC VPN, you have 30 days to get a full refund if you’d like to explore other options.

Remember to read our Atlas VPN review for anything we haven’t covered here.

4. PrivateVPN – Free Dedicated IPs for Streaming

PrivateVPN is one of the best VPNs to watch UFC, as it usually slips under the radar of streaming services in favor of larger providers. While it only has 200+ servers, they are spread across a generous 63 countries.

The service is surprisingly competent for streaming, and we managed to unblock UFC matches on ESPN+ and DAZN without issues. It also works with other popular streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.

Streaming speeds are fairly decent (especially for how affordable the service is). That said, it loses steam when compared to bigger competitors like NordVPN or Surfshark. Still, we got above-average performance in UFC streams and VODs, which is all we ask for from a VPN.

One helpful feature for streaming is their free dynamic dedicated IPs. Certain regions (such as US – Buffalo or Los Angeles) let you use an IP that isn’t shared by anyone else. Makes it much easier to bypass VPN filters on platforms like ESPN+, DAZN, and other UFC fight providers.

The provider has user-friendly apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and FireStick. You can also use their VPN to stream UFC fights on up to 10 devices at the same time. As always, PrivateVPN offers live chat support and comes with a 30-day money-back plan.

5. ExpressVPN – Works with All UFC Streaming Sites

ExpressVPN is one of the leading UFC VPNs in the industry, with the second best coverage on our list. One subscription lets you access 3,000+ high-performance servers in 94 countries. That includes popular locations to stream UFC, as well as areas with cheaper UFC PPV prices.

The VPN is excellent at bypassing geo-blocks, whether it’s UFC Fight Pass, ESPN+, DAZN, or BT Sport. Speeds are also top-notch, especially while using their new Lightway protocol. HD VODs and streams were all buffer-free, even when skipping through the content.

Their apps are completely beginner-friendly, with only one click needed to secure your devices. It also has a built-in speed test tool, which lists servers by download speed and latency. That way you can check and compare multiple VPN locations for UFC streams at the same time.

The VPN works on all popular platforms (both desktops and smartphones). There’s even a router app to get your UFC fix on consoles, smart TVs, and more. Another benefit to that is that you’ll get around the 5-device limit, which is pretty low for their above-average pricing. 

While more expensive than other alternatives, ExpressVPN still delivers on all fronts. You get expert 24/7 live chat as well, plus the usual 30-day money-back policy if you change your mind.

As always, you can find further info about the provider in our ExpressVPN review.

How to Watch UFC with a Free VPN

Watching UFC with a free VPN isn’t the best idea, nor do we recommend it. For one, a free VPN most likely won’t work on UFC streaming sites because they’re easy to block.

Even if you do find a free VPN that can unblock UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, and others, you’ll run into a different set of problems.

Free servers are typically slow, with providers throttling speeds to prioritize paying customers. Moreover, some free VPNs impose monthly data caps (around 5 GB on average). Meanwhile, UFC Fight Pass can use anywhere between 225 MB and 4 GB for HD content.

Only interested in a single UFC event and still want a free VPN solution? Then you might as well take advantage of a 30-day money-back guarantee from a premium provider (such as NordVPN). Sign up and you can basically watch UFC for a month for free.

That’s more than enough time to see how much content you can unblock, and whether it’s worth renewing your subscription. Spoiler alert: it’s worth every penny for MMA enthusiasts.

UFC Without Cable – Different Ways to Watch UFC Online

Cord-cutters have plenty of options to watch UFC without cable. Here are the best ones:

UFC Fight Pass

UFC Fight Pass is the most popular online platform for MMA live shows. Aside from Brazil (until January 2024), it is accessible worldwide via monthly/annual subscriptions and PPV events. You can watch individual matches and any old events contained in its library.

UFC Fight Pass is both easy to use and affordable, but it has two drawbacks:

• Not accessible in Brazil at the moment, as content is licensed by Grupo Globo. Thankfully, UFC Fight Pass is coming to Brazil in January 2024, just in time for UFC 283.
• Users in the US cannot watch live events, as ESPN+ owns exclusive streaming rights

However, these two drawbacks can easily be mitigated with a reliable UFC Fight Pass VPN. Just use a server location where Fight Pass is accessible and you’re good to go.

Note – Exclusive PPV events are usually not part of the monthly or annual subscription. You will need to shell out more to gain access to those.

Recommended UFC VPN: NordVPN, Surfshark

ESPN+

As mentioned above, ESPN+ owns exclusive rights to UFC MMA content in the US (live and PPV). It’s available as a monthly subscription, while PPV events are sold separately.

Note that ESPN+ requires a US billing method and a local postal address to subscribe.

Try with: NordVPN, Atlas VPN

DAZN

DAZN is available in over 200 countries, but only streams UFC events in Italy, Germany, and Austria. It’s similar to ESPN+, in that it requires a local payment method to subscribe.

Until recently, DAZN had UFC PPV fights available as part of your subscription. Unfortunately, they’ve since changed to a PPV model like most other streaming services, despite their initial stance. Now DAZN is no longer the cheapest option to watch UFC online.

Suggested UFC VPN: NordVPN, PrivateVPN

BT Sport

This is the exclusive rights holder of UFC content in the UK and Ireland (PPV and main cards). All other content (such as prelims and Featured Bouts) are available on UFC Fight Pass as well.

Naturally, you will need a UK IP to bypass the geo-blocks, regardless of the platform you use.

Works best with: Surfshark, ExpressVPN

Miscellaneous Services

While these four are the most popular UFC streaming sites globally, there are some lesser-known options such as:

• Kayo Sports – ESPN’s partner in Australia
• Foxtel – Australia
• Sky Arena – New Zealand
• FuboTV
• Sling TV
• Hulu (with ESPN+)

It’s clear that UFC Fight Pass is your best bet to watch UFC without cable. It’s affordable, has a clean website, and has the biggest library among the various platforms listed above. Whether you’re a diehard fan or simply like to check out the UFC Fight Night events every week, UFC Fight Pass with VPN is the way to go.

How to Watch UFC With VPN – A 5-Step Guide

It shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to start watching UFC events with a VPN. Here’s everything you need to know.

Things You Will Need to Bypass UFC Blackouts with VPN

• A desktop computer or a smartphone
• A quality VPN (use NordVPN for the best results)
• A subscription to UFC Fight Pass

Signing up for the UFC Fight Pass is simple. Just visit its official website, choose the monthly or the annual plan, enter your details, and you’re done. Keep your account credentials handy. Make sure you sign up AFTER connecting to the VPN.

5-Step Process to Watch UFC Online with VPN

Follow these steps to start watching UFC without ESPN+ or cable:

Buy and install a VPN that gives you access to a variety of servers

The better server coverage a VPN has, the better your chances of unblocking UFC main events. Plus you can connect to servers close by to get the best speeds while streaming UFC. NordVPN fits the bill perfectly, with 5,400+ high-performance servers in around 60 countries.

Activate and run the VPN. Select a server outside Brazil and the US

UFC Fight Pass won’t be available in Brazil until January 2024. The platform also doesn’t host live shows in the US. For that, you’ll need an ESPN+ account instead, which may be more difficult to come by without a local payment method and postal code.

Create an account on UFC Fight Pass

While registering, make sure you choose the country that matches that of your VPN server location. Follow the on-screen steps and complete the registration. You will have to verify your email ID and/or phone number.

Pay for your subscription using your credit/debit card

The best thing about UFC Fight Pass is that it allows most payment methods (except PayPal). Simply use your VISA or MasterCard card to complete the transaction.

Watch your first UFC match with VPN

Once subscribed, you can immediately start watching UFC content on the UFC Fight Pass website. Just make sure that you are connected to the VPN whenever you access the site. Turn on the kill switch from the VPN settings to avoid leaking your true location during disconnects.

Watch UFC Matches on Windows and macOS

Here’s a quick rundown on how to watch UFC online on your PC:

1. Download and install a VPN that can unblock UFC (such as NordVPN).
2. Run the VPN and log in with your account info.
3. Connect to a close-by country that streams UFC (outside the US or Brazil).
4. Sign up for a UFC streaming service (UFC Fight Pass works in most places).
5. Log into your new account and enjoy the fights.

Stream UFC Fights on iOS or Android Phones

It’s easy to stream UFC events on your smartphone. Here’s what to do:

1. Get a working UFC VPN (NordVPN is our top pick for smartphones).
2. Download, install, and run the VPN, then log in.
3. Select a country that shows the UFC events you want (e.g. Belgium, Germany).
4. Download the official UFC app from Google Play or the App Store.
5. Log in with your UFC account and password.
6. Stream MMA fights to your heart’s content.

VPN alternative for Android: Surfshark has GPS spoofing on Android if you want to take extra steps to get UFC working.

Watch UFC on Smart TVs, Stream Boxes, and Consoles

The best way to watch UFC fights with a VPN is on the big screen. For that, you’ll need to install the VPN on your router so it can work on non-compatible devices. Here’s how to proceed:

1. Choose your preferred VPN for UFC streams (NordVPN works excellently on routers).
2. Follow the provider’s setup guide for routers. You can find it on their website.
3. Choose a server in a country where UFC events aren’t blacked out.
4. Connect your streaming device of choice.
5. Open UFC Fight Pass or your preferred streaming app  
6. Start streaming your favorite fights.

Note that this will let you watch UFC on Roku, Amazon FireStick, Apple TV, Xbox, and more. 

How to Watch UFC Pay-per-view Fights

UFC pay-per-view fights are almost never available globally on any single service. Depending on which local networks UFC partners up with, your country may appear on the blackout list.

If your local cable networks aren’t airing UFC 282: Procházka vs Teixeira 2 (or future events), here’s how you can watch UFC PPV fights with a VPN:

1. Sign up for a VPN that works on UFC streaming sites (NordVPN works best).
2. Download and install the provider’s app on your device(s).
3. Launch the app and log in with your account details.
4. Connect to a VPN server in a region where the UFC PPV event is available.
5. You may also need to clear your browser cookies (or use a different browser).
6. If you haven’t already, create an account on your UFC streaming site of choice.
7. Log into your UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, etc. account and purchase a PPV ticket.
8. Grab some popcorn and start watching!

Tip: the closer the VPN server, the better your streaming speeds on UFC Fight Pass (or platform of choice).

How to Stream UFC Using VPN in Any Country

Follow these steps if you want to watch UFC in Brazil, live events in the US, or any other blacked out countries:

1. Sign up for a reliable UFC VPN service (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download, install and launch the app. Log in with your credentials.
3. Connect to a VPN server in a country with a good UFC selection (such as Germany).
4. Ideally, you should clear your browser cookies (or use a different one).
5. Create an account on UFC Fight Pass (easiest choice).
6. Log in after purchasing a subscription.
7. Start watching UFC matches at your leisure.

What to Do if a UFC Stream Is Not Working With VPN

Here are a few ways to fix your UFC stream if it stops working while using a VPN:

• Change VPN servers – UFC streaming sites regularly block VPN IP’s. Simply switch to a different server (you can ask your provider’s live support for a recommendation).
• Enable the VPN kill switch – this feature shuts off Internet access if the VPN disconnects suddenly. That way your true location doesn’t leak to UFC, DAZN, etc.
• Perform a leak test – we’ve tested our recommended UFC VPN providers for leaks. Just in case, try out IPLeak and ensure your real location doesn’t appear anywhere.
• Use a freshly installed browser – persistent browser cookies may reveal your true location. Using a different browser while streaming UFC with a VPN will fix this.
• Restart the streaming app – force quit ESPN+ (or the UFC app you use) and restart it. This usually does the trick. 
• Restart your router – connectivity issues may be caused by your router. Unplug it for 20-30 seconds then plug it back in for a fresh start.
• Contact customer support – let your VPN provider know that you’re having trouble streaming UFC. They will verify the issue and offer an alternative.
• Change VPN providers – if all else fails, you can always try out a different VPN. All of our options have 30-day money-back plans so you can test them out risk-free.

UFC 2022 Schedule

Now that you have all the tools at your disposal to watch UFC from anywhere, here’s what 2022 still has in store for MMA fans:

UFC Event	Headliners	Date
Fight Night 215	Derrick Lewis vs. Sergey Spivak	November 19, 2022
UFC on ESPN	Stephen Thompson vs. Kevin Holland	December 3, 2022
UFC 282	Jiri Prochazka vs. Glover Teixeira	December 10, 2022
Fight Night 216	Jared Cannonier vs. Sean Strickland	December 17, 2022

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Final Thoughts

The UFC PPV scheme isn’t going away any time soon. DAZN tried to go the consumer-friendly route by offering PPV events along with your subscription. Then they realized top MMA fighters like McGregor make tens of millions for just a few fights and had to drop the idea.

Now every UFC streaming service has to black out PPV events regionally due to licensing issues. The best solution is to use a reliable VPN to unblock UFC fights wherever you are in the world. Whether you’re traveling abroad or just live in an area that doesn’t have live events (such as Brazil or the US), a VPN will let you bypass any annoying blocks.

Get back into action with NordVPN’s 5,400+ ultra-fast servers in nearly 60 countries. Their SmartPlay feature is the best at keeping your location a secret from UFC. Otherwise, you have quite a few other options, such as Surfshark for Android smartphones.

Using VPN for UFC FAQ

Got any lingering questions about how to watch UFC PPV or other events with a VPN? Check out the answers below. 

How Does VPN Allow Me to Watch UFC Live Streams?

A VPN service masks your real IP address and replaces it with one from an area that has the UFC events you want. In other words, a VPN will make you appear as if you are located in another country. This lets you access UFC live streams and other exclusive content.

Will My Local Credit/Debit Card Work on UFC Fight Pass?

Yes. For most streaming platforms, your local payment methods will be enough. However, in special cases such as ESPN+ and DAZN, you will need country-specific payment methods.

Can I Watch UFC With VPN on My Smartphone?

Yes, you can use VPN for UFC on your smartphone. All VPNs listed above have Android and iOS versions too.

What Other Devices Can I Use to Watch UFC With VPN?

You can watch UFC events on your desktop computer, smartphone, smart TV, stream boxes like FireTV and Roku, Apple TV, and more. More info can be found on the official UFC website.

Planning to use a VPN to watch UFC on non-compatible devices (such as some TVs and consoles)? Consult the provider’s website on how to set up a VPN on your router instead.

How Can I Reduce Lag While Watching UFC Events?

Lower your video quality (e.g. 720p instead of 1080p), turn off background apps that may be using bandwidth, or consider upgrading to a better ISP. Alternatively, you can use a paid VPN and connect to the nearest VPN server location that has UFC content.

This will fix potential connectivity issues. For example, there may be faulty network pathways that can cause slowdowns during streams. Using a VPN to watch UFC will force your data to take a different path entirely and solve the problem.

Can I Watch UFC With VPN for Free?

No. You will need a VPN service and a subscription to a UFC streaming platform to watch UFC events. There may be other ways to watch UFC for free but neither is it within the scope of this guide, nor does CyberWaters recommend it.

Can I Use a VPN to Watch UFC Legally?

Yes, it’s perfectly legal to use a VPN to watch UFC content. You still need a valid subscription to one of the legal sites that stream UFC, though.

Will Watching UFC with VPN Get Me in Trouble?

No, using VPN to watch UFC is not illegal. In worst case scenario, the service you use will block the VPN’s IP address. Simply switch to a different VPN server, or ask live support for help.

What VPN Service Should I Use for UFC?

CyberWaters recommends using any of the top five VPNs – NordVPN, Surfshark, Atlas VPN, PrivateVPN, or ExpressVPN – for UFC streaming.

I Use a VPN but I Still Can’t Watch UFC. What Are My Options?

You can look at cable broadcasting and catch the events on TV. Also, try different streaming services, or change your VPN provider. Additionally, UFC has a YouTube channel where it uploads match highlights and other MMA content regularly.