If you’re refreshing your feed and wondering when does UFC start tonight, I’ve got some news that might sting a little. Tonight, Saturday, January 17, 2026, the Octagon is actually dark. There is no live UFC event happening right now.
I know, it’s a bummer. We’ve become so accustomed to the weekly rhythm of walkout music and Joe Rogan losing his mind over a head kick that a quiet Saturday feels… wrong. But don’t throw your remote just yet. While the UFC is taking a breather this weekend, we are officially in the "calm before the storm" phase of the 2026 calendar.
The promotion is gearing up for a massive shift—not just in the fights, but in how we actually watch them.
The Short Answer: When Does UFC Start Tonight?
Basically, it doesn't.
There are no prelims, no main card, and no Apex fights scheduled for January 17. The UFC schedule is currently in a brief hiatus following the turn of the year as they finalize the launch of their massive new broadcasting era. If you’re seeing fight results popping up on social media, you’re likely looking at BKFC 86: Lane vs. Pague, which is happening over at the Mohegan Sun, or perhaps some regional boxing.
But if it’s the UFC you’re craving, you have exactly one week to wait.
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The next time you’ll be asking when does UFC start tonight with a real answer will be next Saturday, January 24, for UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett. That event is going to be a culture-shifter for the sport, and honestly, the start times are moving to a much more standardized format under the new Paramount+ deal.
Why the Schedule is Different in 2026
If you’ve been out of the loop, the UFC just started a monumental $7.7 billion media rights deal with Paramount+. This isn't just a logo change on the canvas; it’s the end of the traditional Pay-Per-View (PPV) model as we know it in the United States.
Starting next week with UFC 324, you won’t be dropping $80 for a single night of fights. Everything—from the smallest Fight Night to the massive title cards—is being folded into a standard Paramount+ subscription. Because of this transition, the early January 2026 schedule was intentionally kept light to ensure the tech and marketing are ready for the Gaethje-Pimblett launch.
Mark Your Calendar: Next Week’s Start Times
Since there’s no fight tonight, you might as well prep for the return of the Octagon. Here is how the timing is looking for the massive UFC 324 card on January 24:
- Early Prelims: These usually kick off at 5:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM PT. You can catch these on UFC Fight Pass and Paramount+.
- Prelims: The mid-tier fights start at 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT.
- Main Card: The big show begins at 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT.
What to Watch While the UFC is Dark
Just because the UFC isn't on doesn't mean you can't find some combat sports to scratch that itch.
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Tonight, the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) is filling the void. Julian Lane is defending his welterweight title against Dustin Pague. If you like the raw, bloody side of the sport, that’s your best bet. It starts around 9:00 PM ET on DAZN.
There’s also some high-level boxing happening. Sukru Altay and Albi Sorra are squaring off for a WBC Middle East title. It’s not a UFC main event, but it beats watching reruns of The Office for the tenth time.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 UFC Schedule
The reason everyone is so hyped for the return next week is the lineup Dana White has put together. 2026 is looking like a "legacy" year.
- UFC 324 (Jan 24): Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett. This is a crossroads fight. Gaethje is looking to prove he’s still the most dangerous man in the division, while Paddy "The Baddy" is finally taking that massive step up in competition.
- UFC 325 (Jan 31): Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes 2. This is happening in Sydney, Australia. The first fight was a technical masterpiece, and the rematch on Volk’s home turf is going to be electric.
- February 7: A Fight Night at the Apex featuring Mario Bautista vs. Vinicius Oliveira.
The start times for these are staying remarkably consistent. Paramount+ wants a "destination" feel, so expect most Saturday main cards to stay locked at that 9:00 PM ET start time.
Common Misconceptions About Tonight’s Schedule
I’ve seen a lot of "phantom" schedules floating around on some of the shadier sports betting sites.
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Some sites still have placeholder dates for a "UFC Fight Night" tonight, but those were scrubbed weeks ago. Always check the official UFC app or the new Paramount+ sports hub. If you see a site claiming there’s a Conor McGregor fight tonight, close the tab—they’re just fishing for clicks. Conor isn't expected back until at least the summer, and even then, with him, who really knows?
Actionable Steps for Fight Fans
Since you can't watch the UFC tonight, use this time to get your setup ready for the new era.
Verify your subscription. If you’re used to ESPN+, remember that the deal has shifted. You’ll need a Paramount+ account (Essential or Premium works) to see the Gaethje vs. Pimblett card next week.
Update your apps. The UFC app has been overhauled for the 2026 season to integrate with the new streaming partner. Make sure you’ve downloaded the latest version so you don't run into "authentication errors" five minutes before the main event next Saturday.
Check local listings if you're outside the US. While the Paramount+ deal is the big news in the States, TNT Sports in the UK and various providers in Australia (like Kayo) still have their own specific broadcast windows. For the Sydney card on Jan 31, start times will be wild for US viewers—likely Friday night or very early Saturday morning.
The Octagon might be empty tonight, but the 2026 season is about to become the busiest and most accessible year in MMA history. Get some sleep tonight; you’re going to need it for the Gaethje vs. Paddy war next weekend.