If you’re trying to figure out when is the ufc fights for this year, you’ve likely noticed that the old "pay-per-view every month" routine has been tossed out the window. It’s actually kind of wild how much has changed in just the last few weeks. As of early 2026, the UFC has officially moved into the Paramount+ era, which means we aren't just looking at new dates—we're looking at a completely different way to watch the Octagon.
Honestly, it’s a lot to keep track of. Gone are the days of dropping $80 on a Saturday night for a numbered card. Now, the schedule is packed with 43 events planned for the year, including 13 major numbered events and 30 Fight Nights. If you're looking for the next big collision, it’s coming fast.
The Immediate Schedule: When Is the UFC Fights Starting?
The promotion is kicking off 2026 with a massive double-header. We’ve basically been waiting all winter for this, and the UFC isn't being shy about front-loading the calendar.
UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett
This is the big one. On January 24, 2026, the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas will host Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title. It’s a fascinating matchup because Ilia Topuria is currently on the sidelines, leaving a vacuum at the top of the 155-pound division.
UFC 325: Volkanovski vs. Lopes 2
Just one week later—yes, they are doing back-to-back weekends—the circus moves to Sydney, Australia. On January 31, 2026, Alexander Volkanovski defends his featherweight throne in a rematch against Diego Lopes. If you remember their first fight, it was a literal war, so the hype for this one is through the roof.
February and March 2026 Look Like This:
- February 7: UFC Fight Night: Bautista vs. Oliveira (Las Vegas, NV)
- February 21: UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Hernandez (Houston, TX)
- February 28: UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Almabayev (Mexico City)
- March 7: UFC 326: Holloway vs. Oliveira 2 (Las Vegas, NV)
- March 21: UFC Fight Night in London (The O2)
- March 28: UFC Fight Night: Adesanya vs. Pyfer (Seattle, WA)
It's a dense start to the year. You’ve basically got a fight to watch almost every single Saturday night through the end of the first quarter.
The Big Switch to Paramount+
You can't talk about when is the ufc fights without talking about where they are. The $7.7 billion deal with Paramount means that the old PPV model is basically dead. Every single fight—whether it’s a massive title bout in Vegas or a Fight Night in the Apex—is streaming on Paramount+.
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This is a huge win for the wallet, but it changes the "start time" vibe for a lot of people. For most of these Saturday cards, you’re looking at:
- Early Prelims starting around 5 PM ET.
- Prelims at 7 PM ET.
- The Main Card kicking off at 9 PM ET.
International cards, like the Sydney or London events, will obviously shift those times. For the Sydney card on Jan 31, US fans will actually be watching the main card on Friday night/Saturday morning depending on your time zone. It’s always a bit of a headache to calculate, but typically the UFC tries to keep the "Main Card" at that 9 PM ET window for the US audience whenever possible.
The White House Event: A Weird History in the Making
One date everyone is circling in their calendars is June 14, 2026. This isn't just another Fight Night. This is the rumored "White House Card."
Dana White and the TKO Group have been teasing this for months. It’s supposed to be a massive celebration for the U.S. 250th anniversary. While some of the rumors about nine title fights on one card are probably just Dana being Dana, we are likely looking at five title bouts. It’s being billed as the biggest event in the history of the sport. Whether you love the politics of it or hate it, the date is set, and it’s going to be a spectacle that shifts the entire landscape of 2026.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Schedule
People often assume the UFC schedule is set in stone months in advance. It’s really not. Fights fall through constantly. For example, the UFC 324 co-main event between Amanda Nunes and Kayla Harrison was just recently postponed because Harrison needed neck surgery.
These things are fluid.
The best way to stay on top of when is the ufc fights is to realize that the "Fight Night" events are the backbone of the schedule. They happen almost every weekend. If there isn't a numbered event (the ones with the triple digits like UFC 326), there is almost certainly a Fight Night.
Actionable Steps for Fight Fans:
- Check the Broadcaster: If you haven't switched to Paramount+, do it now. You'll miss Gaethje vs. Paddy if you're still looking for a "Buy" button on your TV.
- Watch the Local Times: For the Sydney (Jan 31), Mexico City (Feb 28), and London (March 21) cards, the start times will vary wildly. Set your alerts on the Friday before.
- Follow the Injury Bug: Keep an eye on the official UFC social channels about 48 hours before a fight. That’s usually when the last-minute shuffling happens.
The 2026 season is shaping up to be the most accessible year for MMA fans in history. With the PPV barrier gone, you just need to know which Saturday to clear your schedule.
To stay ready, make sure your streaming app is updated and your Saturday nights are open through March—because the UFC isn't slowing down.