Getty Image / Sean M. Haffey
UFC is an ever-growing sport as it continues to reach new heights every year. The pay-per-view fights are the biggest money-makers for the sport, but it sounds like a change is incoming.
It turns out, ESPN and the UFC are going to up the price on PPV fights. For that reason, MMA fans everywhere are livid.
According to MMA Junkie, “ESPN is planning to increase the price of UFC pay-per-views on ESPN+ by $5, from $74.99 to $79.99.” That’s also on top of the monthly fee you must pay to have ESPN+ in the first place. On top of that, this jump in price comes after just one year when the organization previously increased the cost of PPV fights.
Since the UFC joined ESPN, the price has done nothing but increase for PPVs. In 2019, the price for fights was set at $59.99. Now, as we enter 2023, just four years later, the new price is $30.00 more. As you can imagine, MMA fans aren’t happy with this latest news.
this shit isn’t worth spending all that money. i love ufc but i can’t afford this anymore
— Francisco A. (@8IGHTFIGURES) December 22, 2022
Depending on the card and where you live, this might be a valid option. Ticket prices depend on who is fighting that night.
Might as well buy a ticket at this point
— 𝑩𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝑱𝑱 ☝️🚂 (@blessedcasual) December 22, 2022
This math perfectly explains why so many fans are upset with the price increase.
It’s a $1,000+ a year just to watch the events from home… ESPN is the one who is raising the prices I believe. I think I’ll pass on purchasing anymore PPV’s.
— Aaron Crim (@acrim1689) December 22, 2022
There is a lot of illegal streaming talk online right now.
Idk if this is solely a ufc thing or solely a espn thing but pirated stream gonna go through the roof even more
— Cameron Boyd (@Steelersfan4491) December 22, 2022
Overall, MMA fans aren’t too happy with the price increase. If you’re an MMA fan, the best decision might be to just go to the bar and watch it there. You’ll be able to watch the fights and probably save a good $30-$40, depending on your appetite.