If you’re staring at your TV screen right now wondering how much is the pay per view fight, the answer is probably more complicated than it was even two years ago. We used to live in a world where $75 was the magic number. You clicked a button, your credit card took a hit, and you got to watch two people hit each other for twelve rounds.
But 2026 has flipped the script. The "traditional" pay-per-view model isn't just changing; it’s basically being dismantled and rebuilt while we watch. Between the UFC’s massive shift away from ESPN+ and boxing’s move toward "ultimate" subscription tiers, what you pay today depends entirely on which app you have open.
The Death of the $80 UFC Pay-Per-View
Honestly, the biggest shock to the system this year is the UFC. For years, Dana White and Disney kept inching that price tag up. It hit $79.99, and fans were—understandably—losing their minds. But as of January 2026, the UFC has officially moved to Paramount+ in a deal that effectively killed the individual PPV cost for most fans.
If you're trying to watch a numbered UFC card today, you’re likely looking at a subscription cost rather than a one-time fee.
- Paramount+ Essential: $8.99 per month (this went up from $7.99 on January 15, 2026).
- Paramount+ with SHOWTIME: $12.99 per month.
- Annual Plan: If you were lucky enough to grab the $59.99 early-bird special before the January price hike, you're set. Otherwise, it’s now roughly $89.99 for the year.
Think about that for a second. You used to pay $80 for one night. Now, for the same price, you get the whole year. It’s a massive win for the wallet, even if switching apps for the third time in a decade is a pain.
Boxing’s New Math: DAZN and the "Ultimate" Tier
Boxing is still clinging to the PPV model, but they’ve added a weird twist. DAZN, which used to scream from the rooftops that "PPV is dead," has leaned back into it—but with a catch.
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They recently launched DAZN Ultimate. In the U.S., this costs $44.99 per month.
Why so much? Because it includes at least 12 major PPV events per year in the base price. If you’re a hardcore fan who watches every Canelo or Shakur Stevenson fight, the math actually checks out. A single standalone PPV for a big-time boxing match in 2026 still fluctuates between $69.99 and $84.99.
If you aren't an "Ultimate" subscriber, you're paying that full freight. For example, the upcoming Teofimo Lopez vs. Shakur Stevenson bout is trending at that $70 mark for casual buyers. It’s basically a tax on people who only watch boxing twice a year.
Why Does the Price Keep Moving?
You’ve probably noticed that the price isn't the same for everyone. It’s sort of a "choose your own adventure" of hidden fees.
First, there's the "Existing Subscriber" discount. Platforms like DAZN often offer the fight for $20 cheaper if you already pay for their monthly service. If you're a new customer walking in off the street, they’ll tack on a "mandatory" month of the app, pushing your total for a single night over $100. It’s annoying, but it’s the standard play now.
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Then you have the international factor. If you’re reading this from the UK, you’re probably laughing at American prices. While we’re out here dropping $80, fans in the UK are often paying £19.95 to £24.99 on TNT Sports Box Office or Sky Sports.
The Hidden Costs: Beyond the Digital Ticket
When you ask how much the pay per view fight is, you also have to factor in the "platform tax."
If you buy the fight through the Apple App Store or Google Play, you might see a higher price than if you buy it directly on the web. Why? Because those stores take a 30% cut, and the streamers often pass that cost directly to you. Always buy through a browser on your laptop first, then log in on your TV. It can save you $5 to $10 instantly.
Also, don't forget the Commercial vs. Residential gap. If you’re a bar owner trying to show the fight, you aren't paying $80. You’re likely paying thousands based on your building's fire code capacity. This is why your local sports bar might start charging a $20 cover charge at the door—they’re just trying to break even on the broadcast rights.
Summary of Current PPV Pricing (2026)
| Event Type | Typical One-Time Cost | Subscription Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| UFC Numbered Events | $0 (Included in sub) | $8.99/mo (Paramount+) |
| Major Boxing (Canelo/Fury) | $74.99 - $89.99 | $44.99/mo (DAZN Ultimate) |
| WWE Premium Live Events | $0 (Included in sub) | $29.99/mo (ESPN+ Tier) |
| PFL / Misc MMA | $49.99 | Often included in base ESPN+ |
What You Should Do Before Hitting "Buy"
Don't just click the first "Order Now" button you see.
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Check if the fight is being simulcast. With the new UFC deal, some major events are actually being shown on CBS at no extra cost. It’s rare, but it happens for the "tentpole" events.
Second, look at your current subscriptions. If you have a legacy Disney bundle, you might still have access to certain archives, but you’ll need to migrate to Paramount+ for the live UFC action.
Lastly, if you're planning on watching more than three major fights this year, get the annual "Ultimate" or "Premium" tiers. The days of the $80 one-night-stand are fading, and the streamers are desperate to lock you into a monthly bill. You might as well make that bill work for you.
Verify your login at least an hour before the main card starts. There is nothing worse than the Paramount+ app crashing at 10:00 PM because everyone else in the country is trying to sign up at the exact same time. Get in early, pay the sub, and enjoy the scrap.