Paramount has announced the UFC event schedule for 2026, revealing an increase in the total number of events. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) plans to hold 13 numbered events and 30 UFC Fight Night events, totaling 43 for the year. This marks a slight increase from the 42 events anticipated in 2025, following the UFC on ESPN 73 this weekend.
UFC Event Growth Overview
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the UFC has maintained a consistent number of events annually. The schedule is designed to keep fans engaged while ensuring a steady flow of competition and entertainment.
Yearly Breakdown of UFC Events
| Year | Number of Events |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 43 |
| 2022 | 42 |
| 2023 | 43 |
| 2024 | 42 |
| 2025 | 42 |
| 2026 | 43 |
Impact of Streaming Partnership
Fans speculated that the recent $7.7 billion streaming deal between UFC and Paramount might lead to a shift in scheduling. However, UFC plans to maintain its traditional structure, akin to its previous agreements with ESPN.
Schedule Details for 2026
- The first major event in 2026 will be UFC 324.
- This event is set to take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
- There will be a significant gap of six weeks after the last event of 2025 on December 14.
This break represents the longest pause in UFC events since the pandemic’s onset, which had an eight-week hiatus. Fans can anticipate a robust event schedule to follow the initial event in January 2026, catering to the growing interest in mixed martial arts.
