With UFC 320 just hours away, the PFL has grabbed the spotlight in the MMA world with the PFL Champion Series 3, unfolding under Dubai’s dazzling sky and capturing fans’ attention worldwide. On one side, Paul Hughes from Ireland, hailing from the same country as Conor McGregor, steps into the cage. On the other, Usman Nurmagomedov, cousin of UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov, faces him in a rematch that reignites the fiery “Dagestan vs Ireland” rivalry. This saga first erupted years ago when McGregor faced Khabib at UFC 223.

So far, fans and analysts have largely settled the debate over who is the superior fighter, with Nurmagomedov taking the edge in their first meeting and again earlier this year at PFL Championship Series 1, where he defeated the Irishman. Still, despite the loss, Hughes won hearts with his grit and determination, earning admiration from Team Khabib. In fact, Khabib Nurmagomedov personally invited the 29-year-old Irishman to visit Dagestan, and ‘Big News’ accepted—on his own terms.

Now, months later, Paul Hughes has vowed to sharpen his skills and return stronger. The rivalry burns brighter than ever as fans pack the Coca-Cola Arena, buzzing to see the title bout. For those unable to attend, PFL and ESPN have got it covered—they will broadcast the PFL Championship Series 3 live on ESPN Unlimited at 2 a.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT. That said, accessing the live stream comes with a catch.

Fans who already pay for ESPN or the PFL apps now must subscribe to the “new ESPN,” launched on August 21 as a direct-to-consumer service—ESPN DTC or ESPN Unlimited. It delivers the full range of ESPN content, from linear cable to digital offerings, “offer directly to fans and all in one place.” Even so, this new plan has dampened the excitement surrounding Hughes vs Nurmagomedov 2, as fans had expected to watch it on the regular ESPN network.

Fans slam ESPN for complicating access to Paul Hughes vs Usman Nurmagomedov PFL event

By year’s end, ESPN and UFC will end their seven-year partnership, closing a significant chapter in MMA broadcasting. UFC has struck a monumental deal with Paramount, which will pay $7.7 billion for the promotion’s OTT platform. With this move, UFC is also phasing out its traditional $79.99 PPV model. Paramount+ will offers two subscription tiers: an ad-free version at $12.99 per month or $119.99 per year, which includes all sports programming, 4K channels, CBS content, and Showtime; and an ad-supported version at $7.99 per month or $59.99 annually.

Industry insiders call this a historic pivot for UFC, as the promotion moves to unify TV and digital streaming under one roof with its new DTC service. Meanwhile, ESPN continues to deliver over 47,000 live events, on-demand replays, studio shows, original programming, and marquee events—but audiences may not fully embrace UFC’s new streaming model.

Meanwhile, ESPN’s latest direct-to-consumer strategy has angered some fans, especially with events like Paul Hughes vs Usman Nurmagomedov. One frustrated fan vented on X: “Why are they putting PFL on this ESPN Unlimited thing. You would think they’d wanna give MMA fans a reason to at least keep ESPN+ (soon to be ESPN Select) in a few months. This is sabotage haha.” While the new service aims to streamline the viewing experience by combining TV and digital content, it comes at a steep price.

Another fan criticized the move: “Not being able to watch arguably PFLs most interesting fight of all time without subscribing to ESPNs new trash ass feature for $30 is promotional malpractice. Absolutely incompetent promotion lol.” And yet another remarked: “Not being able to watch PFL on ESPN+ without an additional upcharge on top of the subscription charge is one heck of a decision.” Beyond ESPN Unlimited, ESPN also offers the ESPN Select plan, which gives access to all ESPN+ content.

However, PFL fans still cannot watch fights on that plan alone—they must buy the ESPN Unlimited bundle, which costs $29.99 per month or $299.99 per year. The ESPN Select plan costs $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year. For hardcore MMA fans, ESPN no longer feels like home, as the network pushes viewers to pay more. One fan voiced their frustration: “Wait, wait -I can’t watch these PFL fights right now on ESPN, ESPN+ or the PFL app, only a NEW ESPN app (“Unlimited”) that’s $30 a month?!?!”

Another fan didn’t mince words, calling ESPN’s move “dumb.” Meanwhile, some fans turn to unofficial streaming platforms despite poor quality or legal risks. One lamented: “And they wonder why we all use Russian websites now.” Still, fans have a workaround: “ESPN Unlimited tier gets unlocked if you already have ESPN channels available through certain live TV providers: Spectrum, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, or Verizon FiOS.”

As for the fight itself, the Paul Hughes bout is now done and dusted, with Usman Nurmagomedov successfully defending his title by decision. For those who missed the action, what’s your take on ESPN’s controversial streaming moves? Share your thoughts below.