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Paramount+ Hikes Prices, Ends Free Trials as UFC Debut Nears After Title Bout Postponed

The shift to subscription streaming arrives with higher fees alongside a lighter run of championship bouts to start 2026.

Overview

  • Paramount+ increased U.S. rates on January 15 to $8.99 per month ($89.99 per year) for Essential and $13.99 per month ($139.99 per year) for Premium, and it discontinued free trials for new users.
  • UFC 324 on January 24 is the platform’s first live numbered event, but the Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes women’s bantamweight title fight was postponed after Harrison underwent neck surgery.
  • Early cards feature relatively few title fights, with one undisputed championship bout set for UFC 325 (Alex Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes) and a “BMF” title at UFC 326, with no multiple-title-fight cards expected until at least April.
  • Under a seven-year, $7.7 billion deal, UFC events move from ESPN+ pay-per-view to Paramount+ subscription streaming, replacing the former PPV model that typically charged $79.99 for major events.
  • Both Paramount+ tiers include live UFC streams and replays, with access also available through partners such as Walmart+ and Prime Video channel trials, as international fans voice frustration about varying availability and continued PPV in some markets.