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For U.S. MMA fans in 2026, UFC Fight Pass is the better choice for combat-sports archives and events from other promotions; ESPN Select is the better fit for MMA fans who also want a broad sports package. Neither replaces Paramount+ for U.S. UFC numbered events and Fight Nights: UFC says those live cards moved there in 2026. Some early prelims may also be available on Fight Pass, depending on the event. Rights and schedules vary by country, so check the listing for your location.
Where to watch UFC events in the U.S. in 2026
Do not choose between Fight Pass and ESPN Select expecting either to carry every live UFC card in the United States. UFC announced that Paramount+ would become the exclusive U.S. home for its numbered events and Fight Nights in 2026. Its announcement described an arrangement of 13 numbered events and 30 Fight Nights per year; those are announced annual counts, not a guarantee that every later schedule will match exactly. UFC’s rights announcement
UFC’s October 3, 2026 guide for UFC 332 illustrates the split: early prelims were listed on Paramount+ and UFC Fight Pass, while prelims and the main card were listed on Paramount+ in the U.S. UFC’s current schedule likewise assigns U.S. main cards to Paramount+. The precise listing can differ by event, so use the UFC event schedule rather than assuming Fight Pass or ESPN Select includes a particular live card.
This is a U.S.-specific comparison. UFC says Fight Pass availability and content can vary by country because of local broadcast restrictions. Outside the U.S., check the local UFC schedule and territory-specific service details.
#1 Best Overall
- 7OZ HYBRID SPARRING GLOVE FOR VERSATILE TRAINING– Want one glove to master each discipline? The RDX 7oz Hybrid MMA gloves deliver boxing-style impact protection with MMA-style mobility in one sparring glove. The ergonomically designed Quadro-dome punch padding disperses impact while the open-palm, fingerless design enhances grip and control while grappling in MMA, Muay-Thai or BJJ. Add to this a sturdy wrist support strap and you've got one hybrid punching glove to conquer each sport!
- QUADRO DOME PUNCH PADDING FOR IMPACT DISPERSION– Worried about your fists and thumb while punching and striking? The RDX 7oz MMA sparring gloves feature innovative Quadro dome punch padding that blends multiple layers of foam, creating a formidable shield for your hands, and an innovative padded thumb. These layers work together to form one impact-dispersing surface that saves your fist and thumb from impacts due to powerful crosses, jabs and uppercuts! Strike harder and faster with RDX
- ERGONOMIC PRE‑CURVED SHAPE FOR NATURAL HAND FLOW– Tired of unyielding gloves that restrict movement? The RDX MMA bag workout gloves feature a segmented pre‑curved design that follows your natural hand shape for an ergonomic fit. Each foam segment flexes individually allowing natural hand movements without it feeling bulky or stiff. Add subtle, innovative touches like maya hide finger loops and you get a glove engineered to bend with your hand! Step-up your game with MMA gloves that move with you
- 52CM TRIPLE-LOCK STRAP FOR WRIST SUPPORT– Do your gloves slip no matter how tight you wear them? RDX MMA training and fighting gloves feature a 52CM long triple-lock closure strap with three hook-and-loop patches. This strap wraps around your wrist for a secure fit while providing rock solid wrist support. This innovative strap design lets you fine-tune the fit and then locks your wrist and sparring glove in place through every punch and grapple.
- OPEN PALM DESIGN FOR SEAMLESS STRIKING AND GRAPPLING– Need freedom to switch from grappling to striking on the go? Our MMA grappling gloves are built with an innovative open-palm and fingerless design that enhances your grip during clinch control and ground work. This flexible design allows you to open and close your fist easily making it ideal for shifting between striking and grappling. Equip yourself with RDX MMA fingerless gloves and dominate the cage with RDX!
What each service is best at
UFC Fight Pass: combat-sports archives and other promotions
Fight Pass is the more focused option for fans who want a deep combat-sports catalog. UFC’s U.S. page names UFC, PRIDE, Invicta FC, Strikeforce and WEC among the promotions represented in its fight library, alongside live events and original programming. UFC Fight Pass
UFC’s FAQ says Fight Pass subscribers have access to more than 200 live events from other promotions. The FAQ does not state a publication date, and event lineups can change, so treat 200+ as UFC’s stated offering—not a guarantee of a particular event or a complete current schedule. The same FAQ discusses archives and U.S. access to early prelims and exclusive bouts at PPV events; confirm the listing for the event you plan to watch. UFC Fight Pass FAQ
Rank #2
- 7OZ HYBRID SPARRING GLOVE FOR VERSATILE TRAINING– Want one glove to master each discipline? The RDX 7oz Hybrid MMA gloves deliver boxing-style impact protection with MMA-style mobility in one sparring glove. The ergonomically designed Quadro-dome punch padding disperses impact while the open-palm, fingerless design enhances grip and control while grappling in MMA, Muay-Thai or BJJ. Add to this a sturdy wrist support strap and you've got one hybrid punching glove to conquer each sport!
- QUADRO DOME PUNCH PADDING FOR IMPACT DISPERSION– Worried about your fists and thumb while punching and striking? The RDX 7oz MMA sparring gloves feature innovative Quadro dome punch padding that blends multiple layers of foam, creating a formidable shield for your hands, and an innovative padded thumb. These layers work together to form one impact-dispersing surface that saves your fist and thumb from impacts due to powerful crosses, jabs and uppercuts! Strike harder and faster with RDX
- ERGONOMIC PRE‑CURVED SHAPE FOR NATURAL HAND FLOW– Tired of unyielding gloves that restrict movement? The RDX MMA bag workout gloves feature a segmented pre‑curved design that follows your natural hand shape for an ergonomic fit. Each foam segment flexes individually allowing natural hand movements without it feeling bulky or stiff. Add subtle, innovative touches like maya hide finger loops and you get a glove engineered to bend with your hand! Step-up your game with MMA gloves that move with you
- 52CM TRIPLE-LOCK STRAP FOR WRIST SUPPORT– Do your gloves slip no matter how tight you wear them? RDX MMA training and fighting gloves feature a 52CM long triple-lock closure strap with three hook-and-loop patches. This strap wraps around your wrist for a secure fit while providing rock solid wrist support. This innovative strap design lets you fine-tune the fit and then locks your wrist and sparring glove in place through every punch and grapple.
- OPEN PALM DESIGN FOR SEAMLESS STRIKING AND GRAPPLING– Need freedom to switch from grappling to striking on the go? Our MMA grappling gloves are built with an innovative open-palm and fingerless design that enhances your grip during clinch control and ground work. This flexible design allows you to open and close your fist easily making it ideal for shifting between striking and grappling. Equip yourself with RDX MMA fingerless gloves and dominate the cage with RDX!
ESPN Select: MMA within a broader sports bundle
ESPN Select consists of ESPN+ content, including MMA, as part of a wider mix of sports and ESPN+ programming. ESPN’s 2026 Select support page describes more than 30,000 events, including every LALIGA and FA Cup match, PGA TOUR coverage, NHL games, and selected college and other sports. That figure and catalog description are ESPN’s own, not an independently audited event count. ESPN Select content and support
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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallESPN Select may suit you better if MMA is one part of your sports viewing rather than the main reason to subscribe. Its breadth does not make it the current U.S. destination for live UFC numbered events or Fight Nights.
Rank #3
- Versatile MMA Gloves: Suitable for sparring, grappling, punching bag, Muay Thai training, and other combat sports.
- Hybrid Open Palm Design: Allows for secure grip during grappling while protecting the knuckles during strikes.
- Excellent Leather Construction: Enduring and long-lasting leather material for superior performance.
- Wrist Support: Reinforced wrist support provides stability and injury prevention during intense training.
- Unisex Sizing: Available in various sizes to accommodate both men and women fighters.
Feature comparison
| What matters | UFC Fight Pass | ESPN Select |
|---|---|---|
| Live U.S. numbered events and Fight Nights in 2026 | Not the general home for these cards; some early prelims may be listed on Fight Pass. Check the event schedule. | Not the current U.S. destination for these cards; UFC lists Paramount+ for its live cards. |
| Combat-sports focus | Strong fit for UFC-related archives and live events from other combat-sports promotions. | MMA is included within a wider sports service. |
| Other sports | Primarily combat sports. | Broader sports catalog, including soccer, golf, hockey and selected college sports, according to ESPN. |
| Price shown on official U.S. source | Not stated on the UFC U.S. page cited here; verify current U.S. pricing directly. | $11.99 monthly or $119.99 annually for Select, as listed by ESPN in 2026. |
| Live-event catalog claim | UFC’s undated FAQ says 200+ live events from other promotions. | ESPN says 30,000+ events on its Select support page in 2026; this is ESPN’s figure. |
ESPN’s 2026 partner page also lists ESPN Unlimited at $29.99 monthly or $299.99 annually. That is a different plan from ESPN Select; compare only if Unlimited is the plan you intend to consider. ESPN’s displayed prices can change, so check the current ESPN plan and partner page before subscribing. A complete price comparison is not possible from these cited pages because UFC’s U.S. Fight Pass page does not state a current U.S. price.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- SETTING THE STANDARD: Venum Challenger MMA Sparring Gloves deliver truly excellent value for beginner to intermediate athletes who train 3-4 times a week.
- DURABLE SYNTHETIC LEATHER WITH HIGH-QUALITY STITCHING: Designed for sparring and training, these gloves are made with tough synthetic leather and reinforced stitching to withstand regular use.
- ERGONOMIC DESIGN WITH IMPROVED HAND MOBILITY: Features a pre-curved shape and open palm design that allow for a natural hand position and enhanced grip during grappling and striking.
- MULTI-LAYER FOAM PADDING FOR IMPACT PROTECTION: Equipped with layered foam to effectively absorb and disperse shock, protecting your knuckles and wrists from injury during sparring.
- STRONG HOOK & LOOP WRIST CLOSURE FOR SECURE FIT AND SUPPORT: The wide adjustable hook and loop strap offers excellent wrist stability, reducing the risk of sprains and ensuring a snug fit.
Rank #4
- SETTING THE STANDARD: Venum Challenger MMA Sparring Gloves deliver truly excellent value for beginner to intermediate athletes who train 3-4 times a week.
- DURABLE SYNTHETIC LEATHER WITH HIGH-QUALITY STITCHING: Designed for sparring and training, these gloves are made with tough synthetic leather and reinforced stitching to withstand regular use.
- ERGONOMIC DESIGN WITH IMPROVED HAND MOBILITY: Features a pre-curved shape and open palm design that allow for a natural hand position and enhanced grip during grappling and striking.
- MULTI-LAYER FOAM PADDING FOR IMPACT PROTECTION: Equipped with layered foam to effectively absorb and disperse shock, protecting your knuckles and wrists from injury during sparring.
- STRONG HOOK & LOOP WRIST CLOSURE FOR SECURE FIT AND SUPPORT: The wide adjustable hook and loop strap offers excellent wrist stability, reducing the risk of sprains and ensuring a snug fit.
Which service should you choose?
- Choose Fight Pass if you chiefly want combat-sports archives, UFC-related historical content, and live events from other promotions. Check whether a specific live event is available in your country.
- Choose ESPN Select if you want MMA alongside a wider sports catalog and ESPN+ programming. Do not subscribe to it expecting the current U.S. UFC numbered-event and Fight Night cards.
- For live UFC cards in the U.S., check Paramount+ first. Fight Pass may carry early prelims for some events, but the event guide is the authority for the particular card.
- If you want both archival depth and broad sports coverage, the services address different needs; decide whether the extra catalog is worth a separate subscription, and verify current prices before paying.
Check before subscribing
- Open the UFC event schedule and select the event you want to watch.
- Check the U.S. listing for each part of the card—early prelims, prelims and main card—rather than assuming one service carries all of them.
- For Fight Pass, verify that the live promotion, archive or event is available in your territory; local rights can affect availability.
- For ESPN Select, confirm that its other sports and programming match what you will actually watch, then review ESPN’s current plan price and terms.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
