Watching the event could prove to be a problem when traveling abroad due to the use of geo-restrictions by streaming providers. Luckily, a VPN helps circumvent these restrictions and allows you to watch the fight worldwide. Here’s how: UFC 282’s original main event was a rematch between light heavyweight champ Jiří Procházka and veteran Glover Teixeira. However, Jiří suffered a major injury to his shoulder and is expected to be sidelined for some time. Resultantly, the belt is now vacant, and two of the division’s most complete fighters, Błachowicz and Ankalaev, have an opportunity to claim the gold on Saturday. Rising UFC sensation Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblet is the start of the co-main event against Jared Gordon. Given all the hype around the card, it’s not one fans would want to miss. However, if you’re traveling abroad, streaming services may use geo-blocks that prevent you from watching your favorite sports. In this article, we explain how using a virtual private network (VPN) can help bypass geoblocking and watch sports events like UFC 282 from anywhere in the world.
How to Live Stream UFC 282: Błachowicz vs. Ankalaev Using a VPN
Broadcasting and licensing agreements signed between streaming platforms and the UFC requires them to limit their streams to regions where they have rights. This is why you have different streaming partners for different countries, like ESPN+ in the U.S. and SonyLiv in India. Streaming providers use geo-restrictions to ensure you can watch UFC fights only in certain regions. For example. if you’re an ESPN+ subscriber, you won’t be able to watch UFC 282 when traveling outside the country. Luckily, a VPN helps bypass geo-restrictions by changing your IP address and server. This changes your digital and virtual location. To the streaming platform, it appears as if you’re based in a country where the fight can be streamed. Go through the step-by-step guide below to set up a VPN and watch UFC 282 from anywhere!
A step-by-step guide to streaming UFC 282 Błachowicz vs. Ankalaev worldwide
UFC 282 Live Streams
The UFC has sold licensing rights for its events to streaming services around the world. The table below shows which platforms and websites stream UFC events in some leading countries: Note: Some of these streaming services don’t charge a PPV and are much cheaper than options available in the U.K. or U.S. However, the UFC has really clamped down on using VPNs to avoid PPV costs, and it is currently impossible to watch UFC 282 at a discount, per our research. Most services also require the use of a local number or form of payment.
Are free streams for UFC 282 available?
You won’t find any sites that will legally stream UFC 282 for free on Saturday. As with most marquee sports events, free live streams are notoriously hard to find. If you’re adamant about not paying, you could check out some unofficial streaming websites. However, the poor quality of content and annoying pop-ups on these websites make the viewing experience less than ideal. With many streams hosted by unknown third-party domains, you can never be sure of their security as well.
Using a Free VPN to Stream UFC 282
Skipping the subscription fee for a premium VPN provider and using a free one instead can be tempting. But there are a few reasons why this doesn’t usually work.
Low speeds: All MMA fans know that fights can change completely in a matter of seconds. High-speed connections and servers that reduce buffering time and lag become vital for UFC fights. Using a free VPN, though, will likely result in slow speeds, leading to a frustrating viewing experience. Limited bandwidth: Unfortunately, free VPNs place daily or monthly data caps that limit your streaming time. While this could equate to an hour for some services, others might get you about thirty minutes of HD streaming time. Since UFC main cards can last between two and three hours, this will certainly dampen your viewing just as it’s getting good. Small server network: It could be one, three, or five, but the number of servers you can choose from on free VPNs is pretty limited. This limits the options you have when it comes to exploring different sports streaming websites and services.
Using Surfshark’s 30-day money-back guarantee to get a free trial is the best way to watch UFC 282 worldwide without spending on a VPN. While you will be asked to pay when purchasing the Surfshark subscription, the entire amount will be refunded if you cancel within 30 days of the purchase.
What to Expect From UFC 282
Despite last-minute changes, the UFC 282 card has several exciting fights. Błachowicz is a former UFC light heavyweight champion and will be looking to reclaim his belt in the main event. He’s coming off an impressive win against fellow contender Aleksandar Rakic and will hope that his legendary Polish power is enough to vanquish another perennial contender in Magomed Ankalaev. Ankalaev, who hails from Dagestan, is on a nine-fight win streak in the UFC and has taken out virtually all other top contenders. His background in combat sambo makes him a formidable opponent for all UFC light heavyweights, including Błachowicz. The bookmakers certainly feel Ankalaev has the upper hand, making him a -280 favorite to win the fight. The co-main event is a lightweight bout between Paddy Pimlett, arguably the UFC’s new hottest star, and Jared Gordon, who has reached the UFC after fighting a life of drugs and criminality. This is Paddy’s fourth fight in the UFC, and victory here could see him catapult into the upper echelons of the UFC’s 155-pound division. We’ve captured the entire fight card below: