The Ultimate Clash: Your Guide to Watching UFC 290: Volkanovski vs. Rodriguez

UFC 290: Volkanovski vs. Rodriguez – How to Watch and Stream

UFC‘s 11th Annual International Fight Week Comes to a Close

The 11th annual International Fight Week festivities of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) are set to conclude with UFC 290, featuring the highly anticipated featherweight championship fight between Alex Volkanovski and Yair Rodriguez. This title unification match will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV, along with a co-headlining flyweight title bout between Brandon Moreno and Alexandre Pantoja.

Exclusive PPV Event

For those eager to catch the UFC 290 action, it is important to note that the event will be exclusively available on pay-per-view (PPV) and can be streamed for a fee on ESPN+.

Date and Start Times

UFC 290 will take place on Saturday, July 8, 2023. The prelims are scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET, followed by the main card at 10 p.m. ET.

Streaming Options

Those who want to watch UFC 290 without cable have two primary options:

1. ESPN+: UFC 290 can be ordered through ESPN+ for $80. Additionally, new ESPN+ subscribers can bundle the event with an annual subscription for a 30% discount, reducing the total cost to $124.98. Subscribers to ESPN+ gain access to exclusive content, including all UFC PPV prelims and other live events.

2. BT Sport with ExpressVPN: In the UK, UFC events are often broadcast live on BT Sport without the need for PPV purchases. By subscribing to BT Sport (approximately $38 per month) and pairing it with a VPN service like ExpressVPN, viewers outside of the UK can stream UFC 290 at a lower cost. ExpressVPN offers enhanced speed, range of location options, and added protection, making it a popular choice for VPN users. New users can save 35% and receive an extra three months free with ExpressVPN’s 12-month subscription. The service also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Editorial and Advice

When it comes to watching UFC 290, the availability of the event exclusively through PPV may raise some questions and concerns among fans. On one hand, the popularity and stature of the UFC make it a highly lucrative venture, necessitating the use of PPV to generate revenue. However, this approach also limits access and potentially alienates fans who are unable or unwilling to pay for the event.

The use of streaming platforms like ESPN+ offers some relief by providing an alternative option for viewers. Subscribing to ESPN+ not only grants access to UFC PPV events but also offers a range of exclusive content. However, the cost of PPV events, combined with the price of an ESPN+ subscription, can be a deterrent for some fans.

The option of streaming UFC 290 through BT Sport in the UK, combined with a VPN service like ExpressVPN, provides a more affordable alternative for viewers outside of the UK. This approach allows fans to find a better balance between their passion for the sport and their budgets.

It is worth noting that the UFC‘s reliance on PPV events and the associated costs may affect the inclusivity of the sport. While the organization aims to create excitement and bring fans together, the financial barrier that PPV events create raises questions about the accessibility of the sport for a wider audience. Perhaps the UFC should consider more comprehensive streaming options that balance the need for revenue with the desire to foster a larger, more engaged fan base.

In conclusion, UFC 290 promises an exciting evening of fights with important championship bouts. While the exclusive PPV nature of the event limits accessibility, options like ESPN+ and BT Sport with ExpressVPN provide alternatives for fans looking to enjoy the fights without breaking the bank. However, the UFC should continue to explore ways to make the sport more accessible to a wider audience while still maintaining revenue streams necessary to support the sport’s growth and the fighters who put on these entertaining displays of skill and athleticism.