UFC Fight Card Tonight: Schedule, Results & Live Stream Guide
You want to know what fights are on tonight, what time they start, and how to watch — without scrolling through five different tabs. Whether you are a long-time fan or just catching a card with friends, find the actual UFC fight card for tonight with this guide.
UFC events per year: approx. 42 · Fights per card (main + prelims): 12–14 · Average main card fights: 5 · UFC active roster size: ~600 fighters
Quick snapshot
- Next event: UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Costa on May 16, 2026 at Meta APEX (ESPN (sports media))
- Main event: Arnold Allen vs. Melquizael Costa (CBS Sports (sports media))
- Streaming in the US: Paramount+ and UFC Fight Pass (Paramount+ (streaming service))
- Exact main-card start time differs between sources — ESPN lists 5:00 PM ET, CBS Sports lists 8:00 PM ET (ESPN vs CBS Sports)
- Fight-card changes due to withdrawals are common (ESPN)
- Performance bonus amounts are not guaranteed (ESPN)
- Schedule changes can occur due to broadcast adjustments — always verify 48 hours before (ESPN)
- May 16, 2026: early prelims ~2 PM ET, prelims ~5 PM ET, main card ~? (check official source) (ESPN fightcenter)
- Fight cards announced 2–4 weeks before event (ESPN fightcenter)
- After May 16, next event likely the following Saturday — check UFC.com schedule (UFC (promotion))
- Results, bonuses, and post-fight analysis posted within hours (UFC (promotion))
Five key numbers paint the picture of how a standard UFC event breaks down, from early prelims through the main event.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average events per year | 42 |
| Fights per standard card | 12–14 |
| Main card fights | 5 |
| Prelim fights | 6–8 |
| Early prelim fights | 2–3 |
What is the UFC fight card tonight?
Main card lineup
As of May 13, 2026, the next scheduled UFC event is UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Costa on Friday, May 16, 2026, at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada (ESPN (sports media)). The main event features Arnold Allen vs. Melquizael Costa (CBS Sports (sports media)). A full main-card lineup — typically five fights — is posted on UFC.com and official sports-network pages.
Preliminary card
Prelims usually include six to eight fights that lead into the main card. For this event, prelims are scheduled to start at 5:00 PM ET (according to ESPN’s fight-center page) (ESPN fightcenter). The full list of prelim bouts is available on the UFC (promotion) event page.
Early prelims
Early prelims kick off the night, typically two to three fights starting as early as 2:00 PM ET. Paramount+ carries early prelims (Paramount+ (streaming service)).
Bottom line: Check UFC.com for the official fight card at least 48 hours before event time to catch any late changes.
The pattern: a standard UFC card is a three-tier event. For casual viewers, knowing which tier you’re tuning into saves you from missing the biggest bouts.
UFC Fight Night cards offer deeper undercards than numbered events, giving prospects more exposure. If you are a Canadian fan, Sportsnet typically carries Fight Nights (Sportsnet (Canadian broadcaster)).
How can I watch UFC fight tonight live?
Official broadcasters by region
In the United States, Paramount+ is the primary streaming platform for UFC Fight Night events (Paramount+ (streaming service)). The main card starts at 5:00 PM ET on May 16, 2026 (ESPN (sports media)). Prelims are also on Paramount+ at 2:00 PM ET (ESPN fightcenter). Canadian viewers can watch through Sportsnet 360 or Sportsnet+ (Sportsnet (Canadian broadcaster)). For international listings, check the UFC Fight Pass (UFC’s subscription service) schedule page.
Streaming options
UFC Fight Pass offers live prelims and the entire event archive (UFC Fight Pass (UFC’s subscription service)). In the US, a Paramount+ subscription is required for the main card. ESPN+ does not carry Fight Night events in 2026.
Free vs. paid access
There is no free live broadcast of UFC Fight Night events in the US — both Paramount+ and UFC Fight Pass require a subscription. In Canada, Sportsnet+ is a paid streaming service. Some regions may have free-to-air broadcasters; verify on UFC (promotion).
What you need to know: US viewers need separate subscriptions to watch the full card — Paramount+ for the main card and UFC Fight Pass for early prelims. Check your local broadcaster for affordable bundles.
The implication: if you are in the US, you need two subscriptions to watch the entire card (Paramount+ for main card, UFC Fight Pass for early prelims). That is the current trade-off.
What are the UFC fight tonight results?
Main card results
Results are posted live during the event on UFC (promotion) and ESPN fightcenter (sports media). Each result includes the method of victory (KO, submission, or decision) and the round.
Prelims results
Preliminary card results are updated in real time on the same pages. Sites like CBS Sports (sports media) and Sofascore (sports data) also list results shortly after each fight.
Performance bonuses
Performance bonuses — Fight of the Night, Performance of the Night — are announced by UFC officials after the event. Amounts vary; historically $50,000 per bonus, but not guaranteed (UFC (promotion)).
Why this matters: reliable results come from official sources first. Aggregators like Sofascore are useful but may lag by minutes.
What is the UFC fight card schedule?
Upcoming events for the month
UFC holds events almost every Saturday. The official schedule on UFC (promotion) lists all numbered events (e.g., UFC 300) and Fight Nights. For May 2026, after May 16, the next card is likely Saturday, May 23 (check UFC.com).
Event locations and venues
Most Fight Nights take place at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas or the UFC Apex facility. Numbered events rotate among major cities (ESPN (sports media)).
How to subscribe to calendar feeds
UFC.com offers an email alert for upcoming events. You can also add events manually to Google Calendar.
The catch: schedules change — injuries, venue switches, or TV adjustments can move a card. Always confirm 48 hours before the event.
What time is the UFC fight tonight?
Main card start time
There is a discrepancy between sources. ESPN (sports media) lists the main card at 5:00 PM ET. CBS Sports (sports media) lists it at 8:00 PM ET. The most reliable source is Paramount+, the broadcaster, which shows the main card at 5:00 PM ET (Paramount+ (streaming service)).
Prelims start time
ESPN’s fight center shows prelims at 2:00 PM ET (ESPN fightcenter).
Time zone conversions
- Eastern: main card 5:00 PM
- Pacific: main card 2:00 PM
- UK: main card 10:00 PM BST
- Australia (AEST): main card 7:00 AM (next day)
Your move: Use the official broadcaster’s start time (Paramount+ at 5:00 PM ET) and double‑check 30 minutes before the event to catch any time announcements.
The trade-off: always check the official broadcaster’s listing an hour before the event — the 3-hour gap between ESPN and CBS suggests possible confusion between “main card start” and “prelims end.”
How to quickly verify tonight’s UFC fight card information
- Go to UFC.com/events — the only primary source for confirmed fighter lineups and start times. (UFC (promotion))
- Check your local broadcaster’s schedule — in the US, Paramount+; in Canada, Sportsnet; elsewhere, UFC Fight Pass. (UFC Fight Pass (UFC’s subscription service))
- Cross-reference with ESPN or CBS Sports for additional confirmation — but prioritize the official UFC page if times conflict.
Relying on a single aggregator can mislead you by an hour. Using two official sources — UFC.com and your broadcaster — eliminates the guesswork.
Timeline: From announcement to fight night
The following table outlines the typical timeline from announcement to fight night.
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| 2–4 weeks before event | Fight card announced on UFC.com (UFC (promotion)) |
| Thursday before event | Fighters arrive; media day |
| Friday before event | Weigh-ins; faceoffs |
| Event day (Saturday) | Early prelims ~2 PM ET; prelims ~5 PM ET; main card ~? (verify with broadcaster) |
| Immediately after event | Results posted; bonuses announced (UFC (promotion)) |
The timeline shows a predictable rhythm — but the event-day times can shift by an hour due to broadcast windows.
Clarity check: What we know vs. what is uncertain
Confirmed facts
- UFC events are held almost every Saturday.
- Official fight cards are published on UFC.com.
- Broadcast partners vary by country.
- Next event: Allen vs. Costa on May 16, 2026.
- Paramount+ streams US rights.
What’s unclear
- Exact start times may shift due to broadcast schedules.
- Fight card changes due to injuries or withdrawals are common.
- Performance bonuses are not guaranteed in amount.
- Main card start time discrepancy (ESPN vs CBS) unresolved.
- Schedule changes due to broadcast adjustments — always verify 48 hours before.
“The schedule is always subject to change. I announce fights when they’re signed, but things happen — injuries, weight misses. The only sure thing is the night of the event.”
— Dana White, UFC President (paraphrased from repeated press statements)
“For the most accurate and up-to-date information on fight cards, start times, and broadcast details, fans should always visit the official UFC website.”
— UFC official website guidance (UFC (promotion))
For a fan in the US, the decision is clear: set a reminder for 2:00 PM ET on May 16, open Paramount+, and have UFC.com ready for live results — or risk missing the prelims to a conflicting start-time report.
For the most up-to-date lineup and live results, the UFC fight card tonight provides everything you need.
Frequently asked questions
How many fights are on a typical UFC card?
A standard UFC card includes 12 to 14 fights split across early prelims (2–3), prelims (6–8), and the main card (5).
Do UFC fight cards change after they are announced?
Yes — injuries, weight-cutting issues, or travel problems can cause last-minute changes. Always check UFC.com on event day.
What is the difference between a numbered event and a Fight Night?
Numbered events (e.g., UFC 300) are pay-per-view and feature championship bouts. Fight Nights are broadcast on cable/streaming with no PPV fee.
How are UFC fight results determined?
A fight ends by knockout, submission, or judges’ decision after three or five rounds. The result includes the method and the round.
What time do UFC events usually start in my time zone?
Main cards typically start at 10:00 PM ET for numbered events, but Fight Nights often begin earlier. Check the broadcaster’s schedule for exact times.
Where can I buy tickets to a UFC event?
Tickets go on sale through UFC.com and Ticketmaster. Fight Nights at the APEX have limited public availability.
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