How to Watch the UFC in Chicago

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has quickly grown into one of the most popular pay-per-view events watched by millions every fight. However, with UFC fights being shown at least once a month, buying the pay-per-view event each time could be prohibitively expensive for the average UFC fight fan. Why not take the money you would spend on watching the fight at home, plan a night out with some friends, and spend it on what's really important - beer and food!

Chicago has hundreds of bars and restaurants to enjoy, and some of them cater to UFC fight fans by showing the pay-per-view (PPV) fights on a regular basis. Here is a guide on where and how to watch the UFC in Chicago.

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose from the following list of Chicago bars and restaurants that show UFC fights:

      Brudders Bar - 3600 N. Pulaski Rd, Chicago IL 773-427-6404
      Clarke's Bar & Grill - 2445 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 773-472-3505
      Clybar - 2417 N. Clybourn Ave, Chicago IL 773-388-1877
      Danny's Tap Room - 2218 N Western Avenue, Chicago IL 773-489-3622
      Four Shadows Tavern & Grill - 2758 N. Ashland Ave, Chicago IL 773-248-9160
      Joes Sports Bar - 940 W. Weed St, Chicago IL 312-337-3486
      John Barleycorn - 658 W. Belden Ave Chicago IL 773-348-8899
      Kendall's Bar - 2263 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago IL 773-348-7200
      McDunna's - 1505 W. Fullerton Ave, Chicago IL 773-929-0944
      McNally's - 11136 S. Western Ave, Chicago, IL 773-779-6202
      Players Bar & Grill - 551 N Ogden Ave, Chicago IL 312-733-2121
      Players Club - 2500 N. Ashland Ave, Chicago IL 773-477-7769
      Trader Todd's - 3216 N. Sheffield Ave, Chicago IL 773-348-3250

    • 2

      Call to make sure that the bar will be showing the UFC fight on the night you want to go. Sometimes bars that regularly show UFC fights will feature other sporting or PPV events instead, especially if the UFC fight card doesn't look like it will be a big draw. Call the week before to confirm they will be showing the fight before you go.

    • 3

      Ask if there's a cover charge to get in and watch the fight. The bars pay a lot to be able to show PPV events, and sometimes they will charge a cover to help recoup their costs. It's usually only $5-10, still much cheaper than getting it at home, but it's better to be prepared for it when you go. Also ask about specials. For instance, Four Shadows Tavern has $8 pitchers of Miller Lite on fight night and McDunna's has $3 domestic bottles.

    • 4

      Make a reservation if possible. The bars can get crowded when there's a UFC fight going on, so having a table reserved ahead of time assures you of a seat. Some places require a minimum number of people in order to make a reservation, such as Joe's where you need four people. They will let you know the details when you call.

    • 5

      Get there early. Even if you have a reservation it's good to get to the bar early to scope out where you will have the best view. Some bars have large projector screens and multiple smaller HD screens, so almost every seat in the house is good. But if you want to have a seat with the best angle on all of the UFC fight action, get there early to stake it out. You might have to give up your reserved table to get a better view, but it will be worth it not to have to strain to see the fights.

    • 6

      Have fun! The best part of going out to watch the fights in Chicago is meeting and interacting with other UFC fight fans.