It’s finally happening this weekend: After three years out of the Octagon, former two-time UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones is returning to MMA. Not only is “Bones” back in the ring, but he’s also making his long-awaited heavyweight debut and will be getting a warm welcome from the fans as well as his opponent, Ciryl Gane. The fact that the UFC Heavyweight Championship is on the line. This is a pay-per-view event, as you’ve probably guessed, but if you’re new to ESPN+ and want to watch UFC 285 live online on Saturday, here’s how you can save money.
Jones vs. Gane, like almost all numbered UFC events, is pay-per-view. The only way to watch UFC PPV fights is with ESPN+, the exclusive US broadcaster of such events. It’s currently $10 a month or $100 a year for ESPN+ while UFC pay-per-view is now $80 — the price of both has been slow to grow over the years, making it increasingly expensive to be a fan MMA. The good news is that if you don’t have ESPN+ yet, you can sign up for a one-year subscription and get the UFC 285 PPV for a combined price of $125. This one-time package deal saves you $55. However, existing ESPN+ subscribers will have to shell out $80 to watch UFC 285 live stream online.
And this is definitely something ESPN+ subscribers and UFC fans won’t want to miss. Jon Jones has had his share of controversy throughout his career, but few can deny the former two-time lightweight champion’s prowess in the Octagon. Jones boasts a professional fight record of 26 wins, one loss and one no contest, with his only “loss” coming via knockout. In real terms, it’s safe to say Jones has never really won, and the stakes are high for Cyril Gane to be the first to do so.
Jones and Gane are vying for the UFC heavyweight title, which was vacated by Francis Ngannou after he and the UFC failed to negotiate a new contract and he withdrew from the promotion. Gane unsuccessfully challenged Ngannou for the belt last January, where he lost by unanimous decision. Both title contenders have their work cut out for them at UFC 285, and it remains to be seen whether a three-year absence from the Octagon (not to mention a move to heavyweight) will hold Jones back.
If you can’t wait to see how it all unfolds, then you’ll need ESPN+ to secure your pay-per-view ticket and watch UFC 285 live stream this Saturday. That means right now is the time to sign up and get this one-time $55 off UFC 285 PPV deal if you haven’t already. The main card begins at 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT).
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