The FOX era is officially over, and today is the first day that UFC content is available on a large scale on ESPN+. Here is what can be found on day one and what will be added in the coming weeks.
We’re ready for 2019, @ufc ⤵️@espnmma pic.twitter.com/Tl25H8M7BQ
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 1, 2019
For fans starting their free one-week trial today, ESPN+ already has hours upon hours of content in the form of full events, highlights, and countdowns shows. The biggest event of 2018, Khabib vs. McGregor, is the centerpiece of programming that can be found as the pay-per-view is available in its entirety on the app. The UFC 25 Greatest Fights special which aired over the summer can also be found immediately upon browsing the content.
As of January 1, there are 44 events that can be seen in the form of a UFC Reloaded from throughout UFC history. There are classic like UFC 86 and UFC 66 but the majority that are available are more recent from the last two years such as UFC 220 and UFC 224.
Furthermore, there are 22 episodes of UFC Unleashed available, featuring several stars such as Henry Cejudo, Max Holloway, and TJ Dillashaw. There are also 12 episodes of UFC Top 10 which countdown the top personalities, rivalries, etc. Finally, there are six episodes of UFC Fight Flashback with fights from Tyron Woodley, Robert Whittaker and other champions from the last several years.
Besides Khabib vs. McGregor, there are no other full event replays from beyond May of 2018. This means that fights like Stipe Miocic vs. Daniel Cormier, Demetrious Johnson vs. Henry Cejudo 2, and Korean Zombie vs. Yair Rodriguez can still only be seen on Fight Pass.
Ready for 2019 like … pic.twitter.com/k5s047CUZO
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) January 1, 2019
Finally, it appears that content such as The Ultimate Fighter and Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series (DWTNCS) have yet to make their way to ESPN+. It is understood that both programs are expected to continue going forward, with DWTNCS in particular expected to air on an ESPN platform although it has yet to be announced whether it will air on television or remain a digital exclusive.
As previously reported, events from Invicta FC, Cage Warriors, the Eddie Bravo Invitational and others will not carry over to ESPN+ and they will remain exclusive to the Fight Pass app. The UFC also recently announced that pay-per-view prelims will air on Fight Pass in addition to boxing from Roy Jones Jr.’s company.
It should be noted that the UFC and ESPN will be adding massive amounts of content to the app in the coming weeks. Weigh-ins, press conferences, countdown shows, and of course upcoming events will all be available on the service.
For the hardcore fans who wish to delve into the past performances of the stars of tomorrow, it appears that Fight Pass will remain essential for the time being. But with a large percentage of the UFC’s upcoming events set to air on ESPN+, fans will be getting plenty for their subscription in the coming months.
