The ESPN Era is Over: Act Before Jan 15 to Lock in the Lowest UFC Paramount+ Price

The ESPN era is officially in the rear-view mirror. As we head into the holidays, the UFC is packing up the Octagon and moving it to Paramount+ starting January 1, 2026. This is arguably the best news fight fans have received in a decade. Why? Because the Pay-Per-View model as we know it is dead. However, if you are planning to wait until the first fight week of the year to subscribe, you are going to pay a premium. New pricing tiers have just been leaked, and a significant hike is coming on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Here is everything you need to know to secure the lowest possible rate for the 2026 season.

The Jan 15 Price Hike: By The Numbers
Paramount+ is adjusting its pricing to account for the massive influx of premium sports content. While monthly users will see a slight bump, the annual subscribers are the ones who need to act immediately. If you subscribe today (December 20), you can lock in the current 2025 rates. If you wait until after January 15, here is what you will be paying:

1. The "Essential" Plan (Ad-Supported) This is where the biggest jump happens.

• Monthly: Increases by $1.00 to $8.99/month.

• Annual: This is the critical one. The annual price is jumping from $59.99 to $89.99.

• Prophet’s Take: If you grab the annual plan right now, you save $30 instantly.

2. The "Premium" Plan (Ad-Free)

• Monthly: Increases by $1.00 to $13.99/month.

• Annual: The price rises from $119.99 to $139.99.

• Prophet’s Take: You save $20 by acting before the deadline.

The "Killer App" Feature: UFC is Now for Everyone
The price increase might be annoying, but the value proposition is undeniable. In a massive shift from the old ESPN structure, UFC live events will be available to ALL subscribers. You read that correctly. You do not need the most expensive tier to watch the fights. Whether you are on the ad-supported "Essential" plan or the ad-free "Premium" plan, you get access to the fights without purchasing a Pay-Per-View.

Think about the math:

• Old Era: You paid $80 for one Saturday night.

• New Era (If you act today): You pay $59.99 for the "Essential" annual plan, and you get the entire year of UFC events.

You are effectively getting a full year of fights for $20 less than the cost of a single old-school PPV.

Student & Military Discounts
If you are a student or an active military member, the news gets even better. Paramount+ has confirmed they are keeping their 50% discount in place. Even with the new pricing, eligible members will only pay half of the listed rates. If that applies to you, make sure you verify your status during checkout to maximize those savings.

The Bottom Line
The transition to Paramount+ is a massive win for fans, but there is no reason to pay the 2026 prices if you don't have to. The Strategy: Go to Paramount+ before January 15. Subscribe to the Annual Essential Plan for $59.99. You will secure every UFC event for the next 12 months for roughly $5 a month.

Do it today, enjoy your holidays, and we will see you for the first card of the new era in January.