Whether you’re a longtime fan or just starting to explore mixed martial arts, the UFC delivers some of the most thrilling combat sports action on the planet. This complete guide covers everything you need to know from upcoming fights and how to watch in your country, to rules, rankings, and the basics of UFC betting.
Seconds (What It Is + Quick Facts)
The (Ultimate Fighting Championship) is the world’s biggest mixed martial arts promotion and the premier organization in combat sports. The hosts high-octane events inside a cage called the Octagon, where fighters showcase their skills across three or five intense rounds. athletes compete in designated weight classes under the Unified Rules of MMA, ensuring fair and competitive matchups across every event.
Quick Facts:
- Number of Divisions: The organization features 8 men’s weight classes and 4 women’s weight classes, allowing fighters of all sizes to compete at the highest level
- The Cage: Bouts take place in an iconic octagonal fence-enclosed area measuring 30 feet across the famous Octagon
- Round Length: Each round lasts 5 minutes; standard fights consist of 3 rounds, while championship and main-event bouts extend to 5 rounds
- Founded: The UFC was established in 1993, revolutionizing combat sports
- Headquarters: Located in Las Vegas, Nevada, the fighting capital of the world
The promotion has grown from humble beginnings into a global phenomenon, with fighters becoming household names and events drawing millions of viewers worldwide. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the sport, it offers unmatched excitement and world-class athleticism in every matchup.
UFC Schedule and Next Fights
This Week + Next Events (Quick Table)
| Event | Date | Main Event | Prelims Start (ET) | Main Card Start (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 309 | Nov 16, 2024 | Jones vs. Miocic | 6:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
| Fight Night | Nov 23, 2024 | TBA | 4:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| 310 | Dec 7, 2024 | Pantoja vs. Asakura | 6:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
Numbered Events vs Fight Night
The UFC runs two main types of events. Numbered events ( 309, 310, etc.) are the biggest shows, typically featuring title fights and top contenders. These numbered events almost always require pay-per-view purchase in most markets. Fight Night cards are smaller events that often air on ESPN+ or regional broadcasters without an additional PPV fee, making Fight Night more accessible for casual viewing.
Start Times by Country
UFC events run on U.S. East Coast time, which means international fans often watch early morning or afternoon. Here’s a general UFC conversion guide:
- ET (Eastern Time, USA): Prelims 6 PM, Main Card 10 PM
- PT (Pacific Time, USA): Prelims 3 PM, Main Card 7 PM
- GMT (UK): Prelims 11 PM, Main Card 3 AM (next day)
- CET (Central Europe): Prelims 12 AM, Main Card 4 AM (next day)
- AEST (Australia): Prelims 9 AM, Main Card 1 PM (next day)
Times vary by event and daylight saving changes. Always verify UFC times locally.
How to Watch (USA, UK, AUS, Canada, Germany)
| Country | Service | What’s Included in | Typical PPV Price | Replay Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | ESPN+ | Fight Nights, prelims | $79.99 per UFC PPV | Yes, next day replay |
| UK | TNT Sports | Most events | £19.95 (select PPVs) | Yes, on-demand |
| Australia | Kayo Sports / Main Event | Most events | $59.95 AUD (Main Event PPV) | Yes, on Kayo |
| Canada | TSN / RDS | Most events | Varies by provider | Yes, TSN Direct |
| Germany | DAZN | Most events | Included in subscription | Yes, on-demand |
USA (ESPN+ for UFC / PPV; ABC/ESPN for Some Prelims)
How to watch UFC in the USA:
- Subscribe to ESPN+ at espn.com/espnplus (required for most UFC content)
- Purchase the PPV for numbered events (around $79.99 per event)
- Sign in on fight night via the ESPN app or website
- Check the start time for your timezone (ET/PT)
- Watch live or catch the UFC replay the next day
Some preliminary fights air on ESPN or ABC for free with cable/antenna. Fight Night events are typically included with your ESPN+ subscription at no extra cost for viewing.
UK (TNT Sports for UFC)
How to watch UFC in the UK:
- Subscribe to TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport) via Sky, Virgin, or the TNT Sports app
- Sign in to your account
- Check the schedule on tntsports.co.uk (main cards often start around 3 AM GMT)
- Purchase any required PPV (select major events may cost extra)
- Watch live or on-demand replays
TNT Sports holds the primary broadcast rights in the UK and includes most events in the subscription.
Australia (Kayo/Main Event for UFC)
How to watch UFC in Australia:
- Sign up for Kayo Sports at kayosports.com.au for Fight Nights and non-PPV UFC content
- Order through Main Event (via Foxtel) for major PPV cards
- Log in on fight day (main cards typically air Sunday afternoon AEST)
- Watch live or catch replays on Kayo
- Check pricing (Main Event PPVs run around $59.95 AUD)
Kayo offers excellent value for regular UFC viewers, while Main Event handles the biggest UFC cards.
Canada (TSN/RDS for UFC)
How to watch UFC in Canada:
- Subscribe to TSN or RDS via your TV provider for UFC coverage
- Download the TSN Direct app if streaming UFC online
- Sign in with your UFC credentials
- Check the UFC event listing on tsn.ca
- Watch UFC live or on-demand (most UFC events included; select UFC PPVs may require extra purchase)
TSN provides English-language UFC coverage while RDS serves French-speaking UFC audiences.
Germany (DAZN for UFC)
How to watch UFC in Germany:
- Subscribe to DAZN at dazn.com for UFC
- Download the DAZN app or watch UFC via browser
- Sign in on fight day
- Check the schedule ( main cards typically start around 4 AM CET)
- Watch live or on-demand (most events included in subscription)
DAZN has become the go-to platform for UFC fans in Germany, bundling most UFC events into a single subscription.
Prices, Replays, and Prelims
Prices vary by country and event type. In the U.S., ESPN+ costs $10.99/month or $109.99/year for content, with PPVs adding $79.99 each. International platforms like TNT Sports, Kayo, and DAZN include many events in their base subscriptions. Replays typically become available within 24 hours. Preliminary fights often stream on ESPN+ or air on partner networks like ESPN, ABC, or TNT Sports.
Rules, Scoring, and Weight Classes (Made Simple)
Weight Class Chart
| Division | Weight Limit | Men/Women |
| Strawweight | 115 lbs | Both divisions |
| Flyweight | 125 lbs | Both divisions |
| Bantamweight | 135 lbs | Both divisions |
| Featherweight | 145 lbs | Both divisions |
| Lightweight | 155 lbs | Men |
| Welterweight | 170 lbs | Men |
| Middleweight | 185 lbs | Men |
| Light Heavyweight | 205 lbs | Men |
| Heavyweight | 265 lbs | Men |
Fighters weigh in the day before the bout. Missing weight can result in fines, fight cancellations, or forfeiture of title eligibility.
Scoring in 60 Seconds (10-9 System)
Fights are scored under the 10-Point Must System from the Unified Rules of MMA:
- 10-9 Round: Winner clearly controlled the round
- 10-8 Round: Dominant performance with near-finish moments
- 10-7 Round: Extremely rare; total domination
Judges score rounds individually. After three or five rounds, the fighter with the most points wins. If two judges favor one fighter and the third judge picks the opponent, it’s a split decision. If all three judges agree, it’s a unanimous decision.
Fouls and Safety
The Unified Rules prohibit actions like eye-gouging, groin strikes, headbutts, strikes to the back of the head, and small-joint manipulation. Referees can deduct points or disqualify fighters for repeated fouls. Fighter safety is paramount in all bouts.
If a fighter cannot intelligently defend themselves, the referee stops the fight to prevent serious injury. This stoppage protects fighter health and is a crucial part of safety protocols. protects fighter health and is a crucial part of UFC safety protocols.y defend themselves, the referee stops the fight, resulting in a technical knockout (TKO). A knockout (KO) occurs when a fighter is knocked unconscious by a legal strike.
Top Fighters and Current Rankings
Men’s Champions
The current men’s champions represent the best fighters in each weight division:
- Heavyweight Champion: Jon Jones – The heavyweight king and pound-for-pound great
- Light Heavyweight Champion: Alex Pereira – Dominant light heavyweight titleholder
- Middleweight Champion: Dricus Du Plessis – Current middleweight belt holder
- Welterweight Champion: Belal Muhammad – Reigning welterweight champion
- Lightweight Champion: Islam Makhachev – Top lightweight fighter and champion
- Featherweight Champion: Ilia Topuria – Current featherweight titleholder
- Bantamweight Champion: Merab Dvalishvili – Dominant bantamweight champion
- Flyweight Champion: Alexandre Pantoja – Reigning flyweight belt holder
Women’s Champions
The women’s divisions feature elite female fighters:
- Women’s Bantamweight Champion: Julianna Peña – Current women’s bantamweight queen
- Women’s Flyweight Champion: Valentina Shevchenko – Legendary women’s flyweight champion
- Women’s Strawweight Champion: Zhang Weili – Dominant women’s strawweight titleholder
- Women’s Featherweight Championship: (Currently vacant) – No current women’s featherweight champion
Note: Champions and rankings change frequently after events. Visit UFC.com for the latest champion updates and ranking changes.
Pound-for-Pound Top 10
The pound-for-pound rankings attempt to rank fighters regardless of weight class. As of early November 2024, the top pound-for-pound names include champions Jon Jones, Islam Makhachev, Alex Pereira, and Ilia Topuria. These rankings are updated after major events and can be found on UFC.com and ESPN’s MMA section. The pound-for-pound list represents the best fighters across all divisions.
Stats to Know
Stats track striking accuracy, takedown success, submission attempts, and significant strikes landed per minute. Fighters with high finishing rates (KO/TKO or submission wins) tend to draw the most fan interest. Analytics play an increasingly important role in matchmaking and fan engagement. Statistics help predict fight outcomes and betting lines.
Picks and Odds (Know the Basics)
How Odds Work + Betting Examples
Betting uses American odds. A negative number (e.g., -200) means you’d need to bet $200 to win $100—this fighter is the favorite. A positive number (e.g., +150) means a $100 bet wins $150—this is the underdog. If you see a fight listed as:
- Fighter A: -180
- Fighter B: +150
Fighter A is favored in this matchup. Betting $180 on Fighter A wins you $100 if Fighter A wins the bout. Betting $100 on Fighter B wins you $150 if Fighter B wins the fight.
Popular Markets (Moneyline, Props, Parlays)
- Moneyline: Simple pick who wins the fight
- Method of Victory: KO/TKO, submission, or decision
- Round Props: Which round the fight ends
- Over/Under Rounds: Will the fight go past a certain round?
- Parlays: Combine multiple bets for higher payouts (but all picks must win)
Props and parlays add variety to betting but increase gambling risk.
Responsible Play and Betting Limits
Betting is legal in many regions, but gambling laws vary by country and state. Always verify your local regulations. Set a betting budget before you wager, never chase losses, and treat betting as entertainment, not income.me. Resources like the National Council on Problem Gambling (ncpgambling.org) offer support if UFC gambling becomes a concern.
History and Business (In Brief)
From 1993 to Today
The organization launched in 1993 as a no-holds-barred tournament to determine which martial art was most effective. Early events featured minimal rules and drew controversy. In 2001, Zuffa LLC (led by President Dana White and the Fertitta brothers) purchased the promotion and introduced weight classes, unified rules, and mainstream marketing.
The sport’s popularity exploded with reality show The Ultimate Fighter in 2005. Today, it’s a global entertainment powerhouse, hosting events across six continents.
Ownership (TKO Group), Dana White
In 2016, talent agency WME-IMG purchased the organization for over $4 billion. In 2023, it merged with WWE under TKO Group Holdings, a publicly traded company. Dana White remains President, serving as the promotion’s most visible figurehead. TKO Group’s formation marked a new era, combining two of the world’s largest combat sports and entertainment brands.
Performance Institute & Anti-Doping
The organization opened its Performance Institute in Las Vegas in 2017, offering world-class training, nutrition, and recovery resources to fighters. The promotion partners with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and now Drug Free Sport International to conduct year-round drug testing.
The Performance Institute represents the commitment to fighter safety and performance excellence. Anti-doping policies ensure fair competition and protect fighter health. The program aims to keep the sport clean and ensure fair competition. More details are available at ufc.com/antidoping.
Viewing Options: Pros/Cons Comparison
Complete Streaming and Viewing Guide
| Viewing Option | Pros | Cons | Best For |
| ESPN+ PPV at home (USA) | Full card access, HD quality, replays available, watch from comfort of home, pause/rewind fights, multiple viewing angles, commentary options | PPV cost per event, US-only service, requires ESPN+ subscription, internet-dependent streaming | US fans who want full control and replay access, dedicated viewers, fans who rewatch fights |
| TNT Sports (UK) / Kayo (AUS) / TSN (CAN) / DAZN (DE) | Local billing in your currency, native apps for your region, most events included in subscription, regional commentary, localized schedules, better streaming times for timezone | Rights vary by region, some events require PPV add-on, not all content available, regional restrictions apply, limited archive access | Fans outside the US seeking localized service, international viewers, regional subscribers, UK/Australian/Canadian/German fans |
| Sports Bar Viewing | Social atmosphere, no tech setup needed, shared excitement with fans, multiple screens showing fights, large crowd energy, no PPV cost per person, food and drinks available, meet other fans | Crowds and noise, limited view angles, no replays available, can’t control volume, potentially expensive venue costs, distance to sports bar, may miss prelims | Groups and parties, casual viewers, social fight-night gatherings, fans who enjoy bar atmosphere, viewing with friends, first-time watchers |
UFC FAQ (People Also Ask)
What does UFC stand for?
UFC stands for Ultimate Fighting Championship. The UFC is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization. When people ask “what does UFC stand for,” they’re referring to the Ultimate Fighting Championship brand that has become synonymous with professional MMA fighting.
Is the UFC the same as MMA?
No, UFC is not the same as MMA. The UFC is a company and promotion that organizes fights. MMA (mixed martial arts) is the sport itself. Think of it this way: UFC is to MMA what the NFL is to football. There are other MMA promotions, but UFC is the biggest organization in the world.
How many rounds are in a UFC fight?
Standard fights are 3 rounds, with each round lasting 5 minutes. Championship bouts and some main events are 5 rounds. The number of rounds depends on whether it’s a title fight or a regular bout on the card.
What time do UFC fights start?
Fights typically follow a set schedule. Preliminary bouts usually start in the early evening (local U.S. time), with the main card beginning around 10 PM ET. For international viewers, check the schedule table for your timezone. Event start times may vary based on location and broadcast partners.
How can I watch UFC in the USA?
To watch UFC in the USA, you’ll need ESPN+ for UFC Fight Nights and UFC PPV events. Some UFC prelims air on ESPN or ABC. ESPN+ is the primary UFC streaming platform in America for most UFC content. All UFC pay-per-view events require an ESPN+ subscription plus the UFC PPV purchase.
How can I watch UFC in the UK?
TNT Sports holds the primary broadcast rights in the UK. To watch events in the United Kingdom, you’ll need a TNT Sports subscription. Some events may require an extra PPV purchase on top of your package. Check TNT Sports for specific event availability
Are UFC prelims free?
Sometimes prelims are free to watch. Preliminary fights may air on ESPN, ABC, or partner networks depending on the specific event. Not all prelims require a subscription. Check your local listings or the official website to see which prelims are available for free viewing.
What are the weight classes?
The organization has multiple weight divisions ranging from Strawweight (115 lbs) to Heavyweight (265 lbs). Each weight class has its own champion. The divisions include: Strawweight, Flyweight, Bantamweight, Featherweight, Lightweight, Welterweight, Middleweight, Light Heavyweight, and Heavyweight. See the weight class chart for exact limits.
How does scoring work ?
Fights are scored using the 10-Point Must System under the Unified Rules of MMA. In this system, the winner of each round receives 10 points while the loser gets 9 or fewer. Judges score based on effective striking, grappling, aggression, and octagon control. At the end of a fight, the fighter with the most points wins.
What is a split decision ?
A split decision occurs when two judges score the fight for one fighter, and the third judge scores it for the opponent. Split decisions are common in close fights. This differs from a unanimous decision where all three judges agree on the winner..
What’s the difference between KO and TKO ?
A knockout (KO) means the fighter is unconscious or unable to continue. A technical knockout (TKO) occurs when the referee stops the fight due to strikes or lack of defense, even if the fighter is still conscious. Both KO and TKO count as stoppage victories in a fighter’s record.
Who owns the UFC?
The UFC is owned by TKO Group Holdings, a publicly traded company that also owns WWE. TKO Group Holdings purchased the organization and merged it with WWE to create a major combat sports entertainment company. Ownership has changed several times since its founding, with TKO Group being the current owner..
Is betting on UFC legal?
Betting legality depends on your location. In many regions, wagering on fights is legal through licensed sportsbooks. However, gambling laws vary by country and state. Always check your local regulations and gamble responsibly when placing wagers. Many online sportsbooks offer odds for upcoming fights.
Where can I find UFC rankings?
You can find official rankings on UFC.com or major sports outlets like ESPN.com/mma. Rankings are updated weekly after events and cover all weight classes, including pound-for-pound rankings. Fighters are ranked by a panel of media members. Check UFC.com for the most current fighter rankings in each division.
