UFC Schedule Full Fight Cards, Start Times, and How to Watch

As of July 2026, the Ultimate Fighting Championship has hosted over 780 events across 169 cities in 32 countries. Keeping track of the rapidly evolving calendar requires more than just knowing the dates. With the recent broadcasting shift to Paramount+, the introduction of the UFC BJJ submission grappling format, and international cards spanning multiple time zones, fans need a comprehensive strategy to catch every main event.

This breakdown covers the upcoming Q3 2026 schedule, detailing start times, platform requirements, ticket acquisition strategies, and the technical stakes of the summer's most anticipated matchups.

When is the next UFC fight?

According to the official UFC Events Hub, this middleweight clash serves as a critical ranking builder for the division. Fans tuning in should note that early prelims will begin at 6:00 PM EDT on UFC Fight Pass, followed by the standard prelims at 8:00 PM EDT before the main card commences.

Upcoming UFC events for Q3 2026

The third quarter of the 2026 season features a dense global tour, moving from the American Midwest to the Middle East, back to the East Coast, and finally to Asia. Here is a detailed look at the confirmed major cards for the upcoming months.

How to watch UFC fights on Paramount+ and Fight Pass

The broadcasting landscape experienced a significant shift at the start of the 2026 season. Following the expiration of previous domestic broadcast agreements, the promotion transitioned its primary streaming rights. Understanding this new ecosystem is essential for fans who want uninterrupted access to live events.

The 2026 Broadcasting Shift

As detailed on the Paramount+ UFC landing page, Paramount+ is now the exclusive domestic home for all standard Fight Night main cards and the purchasing platform for Numbered Pay-Per-View (PPV) events. This consolidation means fans no longer need to navigate multiple cable networks for weekend events.

Regional Watch Guide

For international audiences, the broadcast rights remain largely regionalized. Fans in the United Kingdom will continue to find live events on TNT Sports. Canadian viewers can stream main cards via TSN+, while Australian audiences will rely on Main Event for PPV broadcasts and Kayo Sports for standard Fight Nights. Always check local listings, as tape-delay practices are occasionally implemented for events occurring in North American time zones.

International viewer alert for Abu Dhabi and Shanghai

The UFC's global expansion means that North American fans frequently encounter non-traditional start times. The Q3 2026 schedule features two major international cards that require significant time zone adjustments.

The "Breakfast with UFC" Guide

The August 29 card at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai, China, presents a unique viewing experience for US-based fans. Because the event is catered to the local Asian market in prime time, the Main Card will begin at 6:00 AM EDT. Fans on the Pacific coast will need to tune in at 3:00 AM PDT.

Similarly, the July 25 event in Abu Dhabi features an early start. While some sources occasionally list the start time as 9:00 AM EDT, official schedules clarify that 9:00 AM EDT is the start of the Prelims, while the Main Card officially begins at 12:00 PM EDT.

To avoid spoilers for these early events, fans who cannot watch live are advised to disable push notifications from sports applications and avoid social media until they can access the on-demand replays on Paramount+.

How to get UFC tickets before they sell out

Securing face-value tickets for major events requires precise timing. The promotion utilizes a strict, tiered release schedule for all live events. Based on historical data and current ticketing protocols, fans should employ the "T-Minus 82" strategy to maximize their chances of securing floor seats or lower-bowl positions.

• Day 82: UFC Fight Club Presale Occurring exactly 82 days before the event date, this window offers the earliest possible access. It requires a paid UFC Fight Club membership. This tier is highly recommended for fans seeking premium floor seats, as inventory is often heavily depleted after this stage.
• Day 81: UFC Newsletter Presale Available 81 days prior to the event. Fans must be registered for the free official email newsletter to receive a unique presale code. While floor seats are rare at this stage, excellent lower-tier options remain available.
• Day 80: Public On-Sale The general public sale opens 80 days before the event, typically at 10:00 AM local venue time. At this point, buyers are often competing with secondary market resellers, making speed essential.

For example, for the upcoming UFC Paris event scheduled for September 5, 2026, the Fight Club presale window opened in mid-June. Fans planning to attend future unannounced Q4 events should calculate 82 days backward from the target date to prepare their purchasing strategy.

Dana White’s Contender Series Season 10 schedule

Beyond the main roster events, Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS) remains a crucial pipeline for new talent. According to the ESPN MMA schedule, Season 10 of DWCS will run for ten consecutive weeks, beginning on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, and concluding on October 13.

Unlike standard Fight Night events where athletes compete to climb the divisional rankings, DWCS operates on a different premise. Regional champions and top prospects compete in front of the promotion's executives with a single goal: securing a multi-fight contract. These events are broadcast exclusively on UFC Fight Pass every Tuesday at 8:00 PM EDT from the Meta APEX facility in Las Vegas.

For fans interested in scouting the next generation of top-15 talent, DWCS offers a highly competitive environment where fighters are incentivized to pursue finishes rather than safe, point-based victories.

What is UFC BJJ and when does it air?

In June 2025, the organization expanded its programming by launching UFC Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (UFC BJJ). This format represents a significant departure from traditional mixed martial arts, focusing entirely on submission grappling.

The Octagonal Bowl

Instead of the traditional fenced cage, UFC BJJ events take place in a custom-designed "octagonal bowl." This sloped, padded perimeter prevents athletes from being pinned against a rigid fence, encouraging continuous grappling exchanges and reducing stalemates.

Ruleset Differences

The ruleset strictly prohibits all forms of striking. Matches are won exclusively via submission or, if the time limit expires, by a panel of judges scoring based on submission attempts and positional dominance. These events do not follow a weekly schedule; instead, they are interspersed between major MMA cards and stream exclusively on UFC Fight Pass. Fans should check the Fight Pass schedule monthly, as UFC BJJ cards are often announced with shorter lead times than standard MMA events.

Technical breakdown of the summer’s biggest matchups

Understanding the tactical nuances of upcoming fights enhances the viewing experience. The Q3 schedule features several matchups that highlight advanced mechanics in both striking and grappling.

Makhachev vs. Machado Garry (UFC 330)

The August 15 headliner is a fascinating study in range management. According to technical breakdowns from the EA Sports UFC striking hub, fighters with Garry's profile rely heavily on "slipping" and fluid striking "combinations" to maintain distance. Garry will likely attempt to keep the fight at kicking range, using lateral movement to avoid the center line.

Conversely, Makhachev excels at "transition fakes." He frequently uses a high guard to crowd his opponent, faking a level change to draw the hands down before initiating a clinch. If Makhachev successfully closes the distance, Garry's ability to frame and exit the clinch will determine the fight's outcome.

Ankalaev vs. Guskov (Abu Dhabi)

The July 25 light heavyweight bout is expected to be a grueling test of stamina management. Community analysts on the advanced gameplay forums often discuss the concept of "denying escapes" in high-level grappling. Ankalaev is known for his heavy top control, forcing opponents to carry his weight.

For viewers who occasionally find ground exchanges frustrating—often colloquially referred to as "dry humping" or stalling—this fight offers a chance to observe active grappling. Watch for Guskov's attempts to build a base; if Ankalaev is actively breaking down Guskov's posts (arms and legs used for leverage) rather than just holding him, it demonstrates high-level, active positional advancement rather than passive stalling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the UFC Main Card start tonight?

For standard North American events, the Main Card typically begins at 10:00 PM ET (7:00 PM PT). However, international cards vary significantly. For example, the upcoming Shanghai event starts at 6:00 AM ET, while Abu Dhabi cards often begin at 12:00 PM ET. Always verify the specific event location to confirm the start time.

How can I watch UFC without Paramount+?

While Paramount+ is the primary domestic broadcaster for main cards in 2026, fans can still watch early preliminary bouts on UFC Fight Pass. Additionally, many commercial venues, such as sports bars and restaurants, purchase commercial licenses to broadcast PPV events, offering an alternative for fans without a streaming subscription.

What is the difference between a Numbered event and a Fight Night?

Numbered events (e.g., UFC 330) are the promotion's marquee Pay-Per-View broadcasts, typically featuring one or more championship title fights and highly ranked contenders. Fight Night events are standard broadcast cards included with a streaming subscription, generally used to build contenders and establish divisional rankings.

Who is fighting in the next UFC event?

The next scheduled main event features Dricus Du Plessis taking on Kamaru Usman on July 18, 2026, in Oklahoma City. This middleweight bout headlines a Fight Night card that will stream live on Paramount+.

What time do the UFC early prelims start?

For a standard 10:00 PM ET Main Card, the early prelims usually begin at 6:00 PM ET, followed by the regular prelims at 8:00 PM ET. The exact start time can fluctuate by 30 to 60 minutes depending on the total number of fights booked for that specific card.

Where is UFC 330 being held?

UFC 330 is scheduled to take place at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on August 15, 2026. The event will be headlined by a lightweight title bout between Islam Makhachev and Ian Machado Garry.