If you’re staring at your TV screen right now wondering why your old ESPN+ bookmark isn't showing the walkouts, you aren't alone. Honestly, the start of 2026 has been a bit of a mess for fans who didn't get the memo about the massive rights shift. The days of hunting for a Pay-Per-View link or paying eighty bucks for a single Saturday night are basically over, but that means you need to know exactly where to watch the UFC fight tonight to avoid missing the first round.
The Big Switch: Where to Watch the UFC Fight Tonight
The $7.7 billion deal with Paramount and CBS has officially kicked in. It’s a total game-changer. Starting this month, the old PPV model has been scrapped in favor of a "platform-inclusive" approach. This means if there is a fight on the schedule, you’re looking at Paramount+ as your primary destination. No more extra $79.99 charges on top of a subscription.
If you are looking for the action on Tuesday, January 13, it’s a big night for news but a quiet night for the Octagon itself. Dana White just dropped the bombshell that Israel Adesanya vs. Joe Pyfer is set for the Seattle card on March 28. But if you came here to find the live broadcast for this specific Tuesday, you should know the UFC typically runs its live events on Saturday nights. The next massive card on the horizon is UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett on January 24.
For tonight, you’ll find "UFC Unleashed" and "Dana White’s Contender Series" replays, plus the breaking "Adesanya-Pyfer" announcement details, exclusively on Paramount+.
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Understanding the 2026 Broadcast Tiers
The layout is different now. It’s not just "Prelims on ESPN" anymore.
Paramount+ (The Essential & Premium Plans)
Basically, every single numbered event—like the upcoming UFC 324 and UFC 325—lives here. You can get the "Essential" plan for about $7.99, and it includes the full fight cards. The "Premium" tier mainly just cuts out the ads during the on-demand replays and gives you the SHOWTIME library. If you just want the live fights, the cheaper one works fine.
CBS Sports & Local Affiliates
Select "Fight Night" events and even portions of the big numbered prelims are now being simulcast on CBS. If you have a digital antenna or a basic cable package, you might actually be able to watch some of the 2026 events for free over the air. This is a huge pivot back to the "mainstream" TV era of the early 2010s.
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UFC Fight Pass
This is still the "hardcore" fan’s best friend. While it doesn't host the main cards of the big 2026 events live in the US anymore, it’s where the Early Prelims often start. It also remains the only place to see the deep archives and smaller promotions like Cage Warriors or LFA.
Why Everything Changed
Money. Obviously.
But also accessibility. The UFC realized that the $80 price point for PPVs was pricing out the younger demographic. By moving to Paramount+, they get a guaranteed license fee and fans get a much lower entry price. It’s a win-win, though it's still kinda annoying to have to sign up for yet another streaming service if you were already comfortable with the Disney/ESPN ecosystem.
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What to Watch Out For Tonight
Since it's Tuesday, January 13, the real "action" is in the fallout of the Seattle announcement. Everyone thought Adesanya might wait for a title shot, but taking on a heavy hitter like Joe Pyfer shows he’s ready to work his way back after that three-fight skid.
If you are trying to find where to watch the UFC fight tonight and you're seeing "unavailable" on your app, check your region. International rights (especially in the UK on TNT Sports or in Australia on Kayo) often stay the same even when the US market flips. But for US-based fans, your ESPN+ login is officially a "legacy" tool for UFC. It won't help you with the live 2026 cards.
Actionable Steps for Fight Fans
Don't wait until the Gaethje vs. Pimblett main walkouts on January 24 to fix your setup.
- Check your Paramount+ Login: Make sure your subscription is active. If you have it through a T-Mobile or Walmart+ deal, ensure the "Live TV" section is working.
- Download the App to Your Smart TV: Don't rely on casting from your phone; the bitrate for 4K MMA fights is notoriously finicky.
- Verify CBS Access: If you plan on watching the free "Fight Night" cards, check if your local CBS affiliate is included in your streaming bundle (like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV).
- Sync Your Calendar: The 2026 schedule is packed with 43 events. The next big one is Saturday, January 24 at 6:00 PM PT / 9:00 PM ET.
Get your streaming sorted now so you aren't the person texting the group chat for a link five minutes after the main card starts.